Malyavanta Raghunatha Temple

Malyavanta Raghunatha Temple is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama located atop Malyavant Hill, about 3 km east of Hampi Bazaar in Karnataka. Built in the Vijayanagara architectural style, it is part of the Hampi UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is traditionally associated with the Ramayana as the place where Rama and Lakshmana stayed during the monsoon while searching for Sita, and is noted for its whitewashed gopuram, pillared halls and panoramic hilltop setting.

Visitors can expect a hilltop temple complex reached by a paved road to the summit with a short flight of steps to the entrance. The temple features a whitewashed gopuram, pillared mandapas, courtyard and sanctum dedicated to Lord Rama. The surrounding rocky landscape of Malyavant Hill offers panoramic views of the Hampi boulder terrain and is a popular spot for photography and sunset viewing. The site is relatively quiet compared to central Hampi temples.

Built during the Vijayanagara Empire period in the Dravidian-Vijayanagara architectural style. The temple is part of the Hampi Group of Monuments, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which represents the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from the 14th to 16th century. Inscriptions and architectural features reflect Vijayanagara patronage.

Dedicated to Lord Raghunatha (Lord Rama), the temple holds religious significance for Hindus and is traditionally believed to mark the hill where Rama and Lakshmana stayed during the rainy season while searching for Sita as described in the Ramayana. It remains an active place of worship and pilgrimage.