About
Badavilinga Temple in Hampi, Karnataka, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses the largest Shiva linga in Hampi. Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism) describes it as a monolithic granite linga about 3 metres tall, shaped from a single block of stone, standing in a small stone chamber near the Lakshmi Narasimha statue.
What you see
The chamber has no roof apart from a single opening, which lets daylight fall on the linga. The base of the linga is described as submerged in water, set in a circular pedestal (yoni pitha) that stays filled because a water channel runs through the shrine. Three eyes are carved on the linga, a form described as symbolising the all-seeing wisdom of Shiva. Incredible India says the temple is believed to date from the Vijayanagara Empire period.
The name and the legend
The name joins badava (poor) and linga. The legend recorded by Incredible India says the linga was commissioned by a poor peasant woman who lived near the Virupaksha Temple. The water at the base is linked in local belief to the descent of the Ganga, which Shiva is said to have gentled through his matted locks. These are traditions, not documented history.
Nearby in Hampi
Incredible India places the temple close to the Lakshmi Narasimha statue; see our guide to the Ugra Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. For other Hampi monuments the same page recommends the Vijaya Vittala Temple with its stone chariot, the Virupaksha Temple and the Lotus Mahal.
Timings to Visit Hampi Badavilinga Temple
All days of the week 05:00 AM – 09:00 PM. Incredible India lists the same hours (opens 5:00 AM, closes 9:00 PM).
How to Reach
By Air: Incredible India lists Jindal Vijayanagar Airport (Vidyanagar), Hubballi Airport and Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport as the nearest airports.
By Train: Hospet Junction is the nearest railway station.
By Road: Buses run from the KSRTC Hospet bus stand towards Hampi; check the route locally.
Address
Badavilinga Temple, Hampi, Karnataka 583239.
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