On the serene banks of the Tungabhadra River in Hampi stands the Sree Kodandarama Temple, a quiet yet profoundly sacred monument that continues to hold immense religious and cultural importance. Situated at the far end of the ancient Virupaksha Bazaar and facing the Chakrathirtha bathing ghat, the temple forms an integral part of Hampi’s living heritage landscape.
Unlike the grand ruins that dominate Hampi, this small temple remains active and deeply rooted in devotion. It is regarded as one of the oldest surviving places of worship in Karnataka, with local tradition tracing its origins back to the Ramayana period. For pilgrims, this belief alone elevates the temple beyond a historical structure into a sacred witness of epic times.
According to legend, this is the very site where Lord Rama crowned Sugriva as the king of Kishkindha after the defeat of Bali. It is believed that Sugriva himself carved the idols of Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita housed in the sanctum. A rare and striking feature of the temple is the presence of Sugriva’s idol bowing before Lord Rama—an exceptional iconographic detail, as Hanuman usually occupies this role in Rama temples.
The temple’s rectangular garbhagriha contains imposing 15-foot-tall standing figures of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, carved directly from a natural boulder on the hillside. Rama and Lakshmana are depicted holding bows, symbolising righteousness and divine protection. From the temple courtyard, a series of stone steps descends to the Tungabhadra River and the Chakrathirtha ghat, reinforcing the temple’s close relationship with sacred water. During heavy monsoons, these steps and pathways are often submerged, a reminder of nature’s enduring presence in this ancient setting.
Adding a fascinating layer to its mythological associations, the area surrounding the temple is inhabited by two distinct monkey groups—Vali, represented by black-faced grey langurs, and Sugriva, represented by red-faced monkeys. Their frequent territorial clashes are often viewed by locals and pilgrims as a living echo of the legendary rivalry described in the Ramayana.
The Sree Kodandarama Temple stands not merely as a monument, but as a living confluence of faith, folklore, and landscape. In a land where mythology and history seamlessly intertwine, this humble shrine continues to preserve the sacred memory of Kishkindha and the enduring legacy of Lord Rama.
