About
Ugra Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is the 4th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He appeared on earth as half-human (Nara) and half lion (Simha). While the lower body was of a human, the upper part was like a lion. Placed in the Ugra Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, this gigantic statue similarly has the face of a fierce lion and the body of a human being.
This is an image of Ugra Lakshmi Narasimha Temple or fierce Narasimha and thus it has scary facial expressions with protruding eyes. Moreover, the absence of Goddess Lakshmi along with the Lord increases.
This sculpture is a representation of Malola Narasimha form where his consort, Goddess Lakshmi is seen sitting on his lap but is not visible as the statue is now damaged. The word Malola is a combination of 2 words Ma (Goddess Lakshmi) and Lola (beloved).
The statue lies in the Ugra Lakshmi Narasimha Temple that was constructed in the year 1528, during the reign of Krishnadevaraya, one of the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. Lord Narasimha and his consort, Goddess Lakshmi is the presiding deities of this temple.
Originally, the statue also had a small statue of the Goddess, sitting on his lap. But during the raid by the Mughals in 1565, the statue was highly damaged and disfigured. At the time of the attack, the limbs of the statue were also broken and the statue of the Goddess was separated from the main sculpture. Also, one hand of the Goddess’ statue was broken and this hand can be seen today at the back of the statue of the Lord. This damaged statue of the Goddess today is kept at the Archaeological Museum in Kamalapura.
An architectural masterpiece, the Lakshmi Narasimha statue is 6.7 meters in height and has been rafted with amazing details. It is one of the best works that were done in the Vijayanagara style of architecture. The status lies between an arch or Makara Torana.
The statue of Lord Ugra Lakshmi Narasimha Temple has a designed mane and wonderfully shaped broad chest. A well-designed headgear adorns the statue that is seated in a cross-legged position. The statue is seated on the soils of seven-hooded holy snake, Adishesha, who is known to be the King of snakes. The hoods of the snake make a canopy on the head of the Lord. On the hood of the snake, a lion mask has been placed.
The protruding and angry eyes of the statue are its important feature and the statue an imposing aura. This huge statue has been carved into one single boulder of granite stone and a wonderful piece of craftsmanship.
The temple is placed in the middle of the main road which connects the Sacred Center to the Royal Center.
Timings to Visit
All days of the week 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Entry is free
Visit Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Best time to visit: October – February
How to Reach
By Air: Bellary Airport – 38 km
By Train: Hospet Junction Railway Station – 10 km
By Bus: Hospet KSRTC Bus Station – 13 km
Address
Ugra Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Hampi, Karnataka 583239
Also Read Place To Visit In Karnataka
Ballari District Official site of Ugra Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
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