About Krishna Temple
Krishna Temple is a 16th-century Hindu temple in Hampi, Vijayanagara District, Karnataka, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Group of Monuments at Hampi. Built in 1513 by Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya, it is dedicated to Lord Balakrishna. Located east of Hampi Bazaar, the temple is noted for its ornate gopuram, pillared halls, and intricate carvings depicting Vijayanagara architecture at its peak.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a large east-facing temple complex with a towering gopuram, pillared mandapas, and detailed stone carvings of deities and mythological scenes. The main shrine once housed the Balakrishna idol, now in Chennai Museum. The complex includes a large temple tank, pushkarani, and open courtyards surrounded by ruined pillared bazaar streets. The setting is rocky and open, with views of Matanga Hill and Hampi's boulder landscape. Visitors explore on foot across uneven stone surfaces.
Key highlights
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Five-tiered eastern gopuram with intricate Vijayanagara carvings
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Pillared mandapas and ornate yali pillars inside the temple complex
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Large stepped temple tank (pushkarani) adjacent to the temple
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Long ruined Krishna Bazaar colonnaded street leading to the temple
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Part of UNESCO World Heritage Group of Monuments at Hampi
History of Krishna Temple
Built in 1513 CE by Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya to commemorate his victory over the Gajapatis of Udayagiri (Odisha) and to enshrine an image of Balakrishna brought from Udayagiri. It represents the mature phase of Vijayanagara architecture and is part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
Culture & Context
Dedicated to Lord Krishna as Balakrishna, an avatar of Vishnu, the temple is an important Vaishnavite shrine and example of Vijayanagara religious art. Its carvings, gopuram and bazaar street illustrate the empire's patronage of religion, trade and urban planning.
Route
| By air |
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