Achyutaraya Temple – Hampi

About

Achyutaraya Temple is one of the famous temples in Hampi. It was built in 1534 A.D., this temple is an example of the Vijayanagara style of architecture in the most advanced forms than any other temples in Hampi and was one of the last grandiose temple projects executed before the fall of the empire.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Tiruvengalanatha form of Lord Vishnu and constructed by a high officer in King Achyuta Raya’s court and hence his name for the temple. The temple complex and the market which is in ruins sit in a semi-made valley by the two hills the Gandhamadana and Matanga Hills. The two main ways to reach the temple area, one from the Kodanda Rama Temple or Kings Palace path, enter the Couteseans street and lead to the main tower of the Achyuta Raya Temple. Another route to the temple is to climb the steps near the Nandi (Bull) at the east of Hampi Bazaar, this is the easier and faster way to the temple.

Achyuta Deva Raya (1529-1542) was a king of the Vijayanagar kingdom of South India. Younger to King Krishna Deva Raya whom he succeeded in 1529, he was known as a lover of literary works and music, he patronized the Chatu Vittalanatha (talented Kannada Poet), the great composer Purandaradasa and the Rajanatha Dindima (the great Sanskrit scholar). Although when Achyuta Raya became a king it was not an easy task for him, peace and prosperity of the happy days of Krishna Deva Raya rule were coming to an end. Feudations and enemies were waiting for an opportunity to bring the kingdom down.

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Some of Nuniz’s works speak of Achyuta Raya as being a king given to vices and cruelty, there is enough evidence to prove he is a noteworthy and noble king and fought hard to keep up the prosperity and legacy of the kingdom alive. Two noted books were written about the king’s life they are Achyutabhyudayam and Varadambikaparinavam to describe the king’s life in detail.