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Veerabhadra Temple. The stucco decoration on the main shrine tower
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Being located at the highest point in Hampi, the Veerabhadra Temple at the Matanga hilltop commands some special significance. The temple is in a ruined condition. Still this temple dedicated to the cult deity Veerabhadra is equally thronged by the pilgrims and the tourists.
You need to take one of the three trekking paths to reach this temple. The easiest & the well trodden is the flight of steps zigzagging to the hilltop along the southern part of the hill. Along this stepped path – many centuries old and still intact- you would pass through many pavilions and shrines.
Eventually you will reach the courtyard of the Veerabhadra Temple marked by a simple archway and a stone lamppost in front of it.
A modest doorway whitewashed and its doorjambs painted in the typical saffron color gives access to the inside of the temple. Further ahead around the corner you can spot a stairway leading to the western terrace of the temple. Take this stair and get to the roof of this temple to get a panoramic view of Hampi. The terrace is a popular spot to witness the sunset/sunrise.
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The entrance arch & lamp post in front of the Veerabhadra Temple
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The main shrine is topped with a brick and mortar built domical tower. The terrace just mentioned is a vantage point to take a close look at the stucco figures decorated this tower.
Veerabhadra is a cult deity with the Siva lineage. Hampi had a significant population of this cult during its primetime. The numerous Veerabhadra images one can find among the Hampi highlights this. The Uddana Veerabhadra Temple located a bit south of the Kirshna Temple is another important Veerabhadra temple.
This is an isolated place, and it is prudent to join a batch of tourists rather than venturing alone to the hilltop.
No admission fee. No camera fee.
