Anantasayana Temple, Anantasayanagudi, Karnataka

Anantasayana Temple, Anantasayanagudi, Karnataka

Anantasayana Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Anantasayanagudi Village near Hosapete City in Hosapete Taluk of Vijayanagara District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The Temple was constructed in 1524 CE by King Krishnadeva Raya of the Vijayanagara Kingdom in memory of his deceased son.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards north with three gateways on the north, south and west. The massive unfinished or destroyed northern gopura acts as rajagopura for this temple. The walls once enclosed the temple complex was in dilapidated state and were lost completely in certain sections. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antrala and ranga mandapa. The ranga mandapa is massive in size and supported by several carved pillars.

The pillars are carved with various gods & goddesses of Hindu pantheon, Hanuman, Gaja Yalis with open mouth etc. The ranga mandapa is closed on east and west and opened in the north. The sanctum is rectangular in plan. The sanctum in intended for the reclining image of Anantasayana Padmanaba (Lord Vishnu sleeping on the serpent Ananta), similar to the image found in the Thiruvananthapuram Anandha Padmanaba Swamy Temple.

The sanctum has three entrance ways and a long rectangular pedestal intended for the idol of Lord Vishnu. The vaulted dome over the sanctum is also very unique. It measures ten meters high. The exterior walls of the temple is devoid of any decorations. There is a separate shrine for the consort of Lord Vishnu to the south west of the sanctum. There is a Kalyana mandapa and a well in the temple premises.

Inscriptions

An inscription dated to 1524 CE records that the shrine was erected by Krishnadevaraya for the God Ananthapadmanaba in the town Sale Tirumala Maharayapura founded by him in honour of his son. The king appointed priests following Vaikhanasa Agama for conducting worship.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Hosapete Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Hosapete, 3 Kms from Hosapete Junction Railway Station, 10 Kms from Hampi, 158 Kms from Hubli Airport and 332 Kms from Bengaluru. The temple is situated at the outskirts of Hosapete City on the way to Hampi, the ancient capital of Vijayanagara Kingdom.

Location | Photos