V
UNESCO World Heritage
ASI Protected
Vittala Temple
Also known as: Vitthala Temple
Hampi, Karnataka
15th - 16th Century CE
The most ornate temple at Hampi and a masterpiece of Vijayanagara architecture. Famous for its iconic stone chariot (actually a shrine to Garuda), 56 musical pillars that produce musical notes when tapped, and elaborately carved pillars with rearing horses and yalis.
Source: Aitihasik heritage database. Use this as a field guide and verify sensitive historical claims before citation.
Details
- Dynasty
- Vijayanagara
- Style
- Dravidian (Vijayanagara)
- Primary Deity
- Vishnu (Vitthala/Vithoba)
- Languages
- Kannada, Sanskrit
- Scripts
- Old Kannada, Sanskrit
Historical Significance
Most ornate temple at the Vijayanagara capital. Features the iconic stone chariot (Garuda shrine). Contains 56 musical stone pillars (SaReGaMa pillars). Represents the peak of Vijayanagara artistic achievement
Architectural Features
Iconic stone chariot (Garuda shrine)56 musical pillars producing different notesRanga Mandapa with elaborate horse and yali pillarsKalyana Mandapa (marriage hall)Ornate pillar clusters