Shri Malyavanta Raghunatha Temple is located in a place called Venkatapura in Hampi. This is a hilltop Temple and there is a Welcome Arch at the foothill of the Temple. A motorable ghat road leads to the Temple from the foothill where the Welcome Arch is located. Both sides of the ghat road are dense with forestry and it is just a 10 minute drive to reach the Temple. It is believed that this hilltop Temple was built during the days of Krishnadevaraya which is almost around 600 years. This Temple has an East facing 3 tiered Rajagopuram which looks rickety. There is a huge boulder facing the Rajagopuram and Devotees looking at it may feel astounded since it looks as though the huge boulder would roll down and knock away the 3 tiered Rajagopuram. Beneath the Rajagopuram there are two Idols of Dwara Baalakas. Beyond it and facing the Sanctum Sanctorum is a stone Dwajasthambam with Neivedhya Peedams all around. Apart from this, there is a circular Sthoopi which has been white washed. There is a pair of Divine Feet and next to it are the miniature Idols of Sri Ram, Seetha, Lakshmana and Hanuman. Apart from the East facing 3 tiered Rajagopuram, there is yet another 5 tiered Rajagopuram which is South facing and it looks as though this Rajagopuram could fall down anytime. Due to this fact they have erected a concrete scaffolding to make it look normal. Venkatapura in Hampi where the Temple has been built was called as Kishkintha in those days. It is believed that Sri Rama and Lakshmana were much distrubed since Seetha was missing or abducted. They both were in great stress when they came here during the rainy days. Not knowing where to seek shelter, Lord Rama shot an arrow towards a huge rock and made a cave like structure where the two brothers took shelter during the torrential rains. This place later was converted as the Moolasthanam. The Sanctum Sanctorum which is cave-like has been built within a multi pillared Mandapam and Devotees may have to climb 5 to 6 steps to reach the Sanctum Sanctorum and on either side of the steps there are Idols of two Elephants which have been broken intentionally during the Moghul period. Most days there is a Ramayana recital or Ramayana Slokas etc in this multi pillared Mandapam which gives a positive effect to the Devotees visiting here. In the Sanctum Sanctorum Sri Rama is very unique since He is seen in a sitting posture and without His usual weapons viz. the Bow and Arrow. Goddess Seetha and Lakshmana are seen flanking Sri Rama on either side. Hanuman is seen in His kneeling posture as usual. This Temple is very unique since Lord Rama is seen in a sitting Yoga Posture. Goddess Seetha is seen sitting on a Lotus flower. Only Lakshmana is seen in a standing posture. It is widely believed that those Devotees who are under undue stress and tension could visit this Temple for their Peace and Solace. There is a multi pillared Mandapam close to the South Rajagopuram and this is called as Kalyana Mandapam where Divine festivals and Marriages were conducted in those days. All the pillars in this Mandapam is well designed and intricately carved by veteran craftsmen of those years. There is an ancient Temple Well close to this Kalyana Mandapam which is strangely rectangular in shape. Goddess Seetha has a separate Shrine which is East facing and there are two Dwara Baalakis at the threshold. This is a rare Temple in Hampi in which Poojas and Rituals are still conducted. It is a must visit Temple for Tourists who come to Hampi since it is a rare and unique hilltop Temple for Sri Rama. 

Temple Timing: 6 AM to 6 PM

Contact Details: Manish Kumar 99641 60705

Srinivas Temple Guide 94820 06390

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