Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple, Hampi | Hanuman Temple

Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple, Hampi Overview

On top of the Anjaneya Hill, at a distance of 2 kilometres from the Virupaksha Temple, the beautiful Yantradharaka Hanuman Temple also known as the Monkey Temple is present inside a cave. The temple being 500 years old is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Sri Vyasaraja, who was the Rajaguru of the Vijayanagara Kingdom and a Dwaita philosopher, was the one to install the idol of Lord Hanuman in the temple. Being one of the most famous attractions of the Anjeyanadri Hill, the Monkey Temple is considered as a sacred spot for Hindus.

One has to climb 570 steps to reach the temple since it is located on top of the hill. Though the climb is steep, the beautiful views and the pleasant air make up for the climbing. One is also likely to come across aged people climbing up with energy and devotion. There is a small temple just 5 minutes away from the Yantrodharaka Temple which is dedicated to an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, i.e. Lord Srinivasa. His idol has been carved out by Sri Vyasaraja. Below a fig tree in front of the Hanuman Temple lie some snakestones, and they are worshipped as well. It is one of the must-visit spots for all the nature as well as religious lovers.

Legend

The legend behind this temple has it that Sri Vyasaraja used to draw the picture of Lord Hanuman on the rocks every day before offering his prayers using charcoal. After he completed the rituals, the image on the rock disappeared. This incident kept happening for 12 days in a row till Vyasaraja requested the lord to appear in front of him. On the twelfth day, Lord Hanuman appeared in front of the Guru and blessed him.

It is believed that Lord Hanuman was the one who asked Sri Vyasaraja to capture him in the six-angled talisman and then install him in that place. It is also said that this was the exact place where Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman crossed paths for the very first time.

Architecture Of Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple

The Hanuman Temple situated on top of the hill on the bank of the Tungabhadra River can be reached by climbing up the steps. The idol of Lord Hanuman is kept inside in this temple in his meditative state, and when looked closely, one can view carvings of 12 monkeys holding each other's tails and facing backwards on it. These 12 monkeys are symbolic of the 12 days of prayers which were offered by Sri Vyasaraja to Lord Hanuman before the Lord blessed him. The tail of Lord Hanuman is his crown, and there are seed syllables on the whole rock carved around his statue. The first installation of Sri Vyasaraja amongst a total of 732 installations of Hanuman is the Yantrodharaka Hanuman. A temple also has been dedicated to Lord Hanuman which depicts the union of Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman at this place. Lord Hanuman's idol here is the only one which is present in a meditative state.

Best Time To Visit Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple

The ideal time to visit the Hanuman Temple is between the months of November and February since the weather is pleasant during this time.

Tips For Visiting Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple

1. A lot of monkeys are present in and around the temple. So, visitors must take care of their belongings. To prevent these monkeys from entering the temple, the door of the temple remains closed.
2. The climb to reach the hilltop is tough. Also, there are no shops at the top so the tourists are advised to bring their own water bottles, and snacks from the stalls present below the hill.
3. No additional charges are incurred for photography inside the temple premises.
4. Attempt the climb to the top of the temple only if you are physically fit.

How To Reach Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple

Hampi is well-connected to several towns and cities by an accessible road network. There are also several buses which connect all the nearby places to Hampi. Tourists can also hire private cars or taxis from Bangalore and Mysore to reach the place.

Since the Monkey Temple is situated on top of the Anjeyanadri Hill, one needs to walk all the way to the top to reach the temple. Visitors can reach Hampi by crossing the river, the main crossing points being Virupapur Gadde, Kondandarama Temple and the Vittala Temple.

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Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple Reviews

Your rating

Venkatesh Gururaj

on Monkey Temple 6 years ago

For us it is Shree HANUMAN Temple. Change the Title of this.do u call Narasimha temple as lion temple ? and Varahaswamy Temple as Pig Temple ? or Swine Temple ?. Change the title or face the warth of (Read More) Hanuman. Jai shree Hanuman,Jai Shree Raam.