Religious Places

Saraswati Temple at Hampi, Karnataka

Written by Sudhir Kumar

Saraswati Temple is an ancient temple located in Hampi It is not in a very good condition but still holds its old world charm. The sanctum and the pavilions of the temple are in better condition in comparison to the rest of the structure.

Saraswati Temple View

Saraswati Temple View

About Saraswati Temple :

Saraswati Temple is an ancient temple located in Hampi It is not in a very good condition but still holds its old world charm. The sanctum and the pavilions of the temple are in better condition in comparison to the rest of the structure. The terracotta made stucco figures which were once the charm of the architecture of the temple are now losing their charm. They are almost in ruins. Beautiful carvings can still be seen on the pillars. Although the parapet on the tower of the temple is damaged but the crawling baby Krishna’s stucco image can still be seen  on it.

The temple is dedicated to goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. According to the Hindu Mythology, she is the consort of lord Brahma, the creator of the Universe. The four hands of the goddess hold a book, representing the Vedas; pearl prayer beads, symbolizing spirituality and meditation; a pot of sacred water and  Veena(a musical instrument), representing expertise in fine art. Located opposite to the temple is a rock which has a beautiful image of the goddess carved on it. A shrine was built around it and was painted with bright colours. It is this image which indicates that the temple was built in honour of goddess Saraswati.

Saraswati Temple

Saraswati Temple

Attractions Of Saraswati Temple at Hampi, Karnataka :

Saraswati is one of ancient temples in Hampi, the City of Ruins. Although some of the structures of the temple are in ruins, but still the temple looks beautiful. The main shrine and the pavilions are the most impressive structures of the temple. The stucco figures, which were once the striking feature of the temple are now in bad condition. Some of the pillars still boast of the wonderful carvings. The parapet on the tower of the temple is almost in ruins but the crawling baby Krishna’s stucco image is still in better condition.

Saraswati Temple was built in honor of goddess Saraswati. The beautiful goddess is associated with knowledge and wisdom. She is the consort of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. The goddess has four hands holding a book, representing the Vedas; pearl prayer beads, symbolizing spirituality and meditation; a pot of holy water and a musical instrument Veena, representing fine art. There is a mesmerizing rock located near the temple, which has an image of the goddess carved on it. This clearly indicates that the temple was built in honor of the goddess. A visit to the Saraswati temple is a great experience as it offers a glimpse of the history of Hampi.

Saraswati Temple  Overview and Architecture :

This Saraswati temple is in almost complete ruins. The Stucco images and the figures on the wall surrounding the temple are all damaged. There is a sanctum, surrounded by a pillared prakaram. There is a pillared open porch in the front. Some of the figures that originally decorated the walls are still discernible. There is still a fairly recognizable figure of a crawling baby Krishna on the wall. Across the temple there is a tiny rock carved figure of Goddess Saraswati in a small shrine. This is the reason people believe this temple is a Saraswati temple.

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Sudhir Kumar

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