Religious Places

Chandrashekara temple at Hampi, Karnataka

Written by Sudhir Kumar

The Chandrasekhara Temple dates from the 16th century. The second and third photos show the exterior of its gateway and the interior, respectively. It is known for its Dravidian style of superstructure over the sanctums and the entrance.

Chandrashekara temple

Chandrashekara temple

About Chandrashekara temple :

Following the main road from Kamalapura towards Hampi, upon reaching the Royal Centre, the first group of monuments you will come to is the Chandrasekhara Temple, Sarasvati Temple and the Octagonal Bath.

The Chandrasekhara (also spelled Chandrashekara) Temple dates from the 16th century. The second and third photos show the exterior of its gateway and the interior, respectively. It is known for its Dravidian style of superstructure over the sanctums and the entrance.

Chandrashekara temple at Hampi

Chandrashekara temple at Hampi

Attractions Of Chandrashekara temple at Hampi, Karnataka :

The Sarasvati temple (Pic 4) is dedivated to the goddess of learning. A brief flight of steps leads to the top where the shrine is located. Inside the temple is practically empty, but as well as a few interesting carvings inside, it is a nice vantage point to get a idea of the plan of this area. A survey from the temple can show you a number of basements of ruined palaces to the northeast beyond the Octagonal Bath. A short distance from the temple to the northwest, by the base of a foothill, is a tiny rock cut shrine. The trail winds its way after the Octagonal Bath towards the Srinagarada Hebbagailu, a colossal gateway to the citadel.

The Octagonal Bath is a gigantic bathing area made, not surprisingly, in the shape of an octagon. The bath contains an octagonal shaped platform in the middle and a encircling pillared veranda; the circular section between the veranda and the platform was where the water would have been. The bath is in quite an isolated area and might be difficult to get to.

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Sudhir Kumar

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