Shri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple — Attraction in Karnataka

The Lakshmi Narasimha statue is one of the most imposing sculptures found in the ruined town of Hampi. The speciality of the sculpture is that it is the largest monolith statue in Hampi. The statue is located on the southern side of the Hemakuta group of temples that stand on the Hemakuta Hill.

This gigantic stone structure is considered to be among the most important monuments found in Hampi. It is a major tourist attraction and is visited by a large number of people throughout the year.



Quick Facts

Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on all days of the week

Entry Fee: No entry fee required

Photography: Allowed

Visit Duration: About 1 ½ hours

Best time to visit: From October to February

History of Lakshmi Narasimha Statue, Hampi

The Lakshmi Narasimha statue and the temple housing the statue were built in the year 1528 A.D. It was constructed during the rule of Krishnadevaraya, one of the greatest rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi. As such, the temple is known as the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple.

The original sculpture had a small figure of Goddess Lakshmi, consort of Narasimha, sitting on his lap. The gigantic statue was vandalized and mutilated in 1565 A.D. during the raid by the Mughals that led to the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The limbs of Narasimha’s statue were broken during the attack. The figure of Lakshmi was separated from that of Narasimha. In the process of destruction, one of the hands of Goddess Lakshmi was broken and even today the broken hand of the Goddess can be seen resting on the back of Narasimha.

Now the damaged statue of Lakshmi resides at the Archaeological Museum at Kamalapura.

Unique Architecture of Lakshmi Narasimha Statue, Hampi

The Lakshmi Narasimha statue at Hampi is a brilliant work of architecture. It is a rare statue with a huge size and was crafted with great details. The statue has a height of 6.7 metres. It is one of the finest existing samples of the Vijayanagara style of architecture.

The statue of Narasimha has a finely chiselled broad chest and a well-defined mane. Narasimha is adorned with a beautiful headgear and is seen seated in a cross-legged position. The sculpture portrays Narasimha sitting on the coils of Adishesha, the king of all snakes, which rises behind him with its seven hoods.

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The hoods have been beautifully designed to serve as a canopy over Narasimha’s head. The sculpture is set within a Makara torana or arch. There is a lion-mask set above the hoods of Adishesha. All these features make the statue an interesting piece of architecture.

The most unique feature of the statue is the bulging eyes of Narasimha. The large round protruding eyes provides the statue with an exceptional look. Though the statue of Lakshmi is no longer sitting on the lap of Narasimha, one can imagine the beauty of the complete statue in its original undamaged form.

It is really amazing to note that such a huge sculpture was crafted from a single boulder of granite. The sculpture displays the expertise of the craftsmen of that ancient era.

Mythology related to Lakshmi Narasimha Statue, Hampi

According to Hindu mythology, Narasimha is the fourth incarnation of Vishnu and appeared on earth in the form of half human (nara) and half lion (simha). Narasimha is believed to have the face and claws of a lion, and torso and lower body of a human.

As such, the huge statue in the Lakshmi Narasimha temple of Hampi has the face of a lion and the body of a human. The mane and the wide jaw of Narasimha clearly express the features of a lion.

There are two theories about the form of Narasimha portrayed through the statue. One theory suggests that the statue represents the Ugra Narasimha (fierce Narasimha) form. The reason stated is that the statue has a fierce appearance, expressed through the protruding eyes and the scary facial expression. The absence of Goddess Lakshmi beside the God also added to the relevance of this theory.

The other theory...

Shri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple at Hampi

The Shri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, also known as the Lakshmi Narasimha statue or Ugra Narasimha, is one of the most striking monuments of Hampi. Built in 1528 CE during the reign of Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire, the temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, the fierce man-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This monument is not only an artistic marvel but also a symbol of the religious devotion and sculptural excellence of the Vijayanagara period.

The central feature of this temple is the giant monolithic statue of Narasimha, which is the largest stone idol in Hampi. The statue is about 6.7 meters (22 feet) tall and carved out of a single granite block. Lord Narasimha is depicted in a seated posture with a broad chest, strong arms, and a fierce expression, symbolizing protection and divine power. Originally, the statue also included the figure of Goddess Lakshmi seated on Narasimha’s lap, which gave the temple its name Lakshmi Narasimha. However, the idol of Lakshmi was damaged and separated during invasions, leaving only Narasimha visible today.

Architecturally, the temple area is simple yet powerful. The focus remains on the massive statue itself, which is sheltered by the coiled body of a seven-headed serpent, Adishesha, spreading its hoods like an umbrella. This adds to the grandeur of the sculpture and emphasizes Narasimha’s divine energy. The expression of the deity, with bulging eyes and a fierce smile, represents his “Ugra” or ferocious form, which was believed to protect devotees from evil.

The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple had deep spiritual importance in Vijayanagara times. Devotees visited to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu in his Narasimha avatar, a form known for destroying evil and protecting righteousness. Even today, pilgrims and tourists alike are drawn to the statue for its sheer scale and the emotions it conveys.

Although the statue suffered damage after the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, restoration efforts by the Archaeological Survey of India have helped preserve its grandeur. Today, it stands as one of the most photographed and admired monuments in Hampi.

In conclusion, the Shri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple at Hampi is more than a religious structure — it is a masterpiece of stone carving, a symbol of divine strength, and a reminder of the artistic and cultural heights achieved by the Vijayanagara Empire. Its towering presence continues to inspire awe and devotion, making it one of Hampi’s most...

A Divine Encounter at Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Hampi 🛕✨ The single stone-carved idol of Lakshmi Narasimha Swami is absolutely mesmerizing! 😍 The intricate craftsmanship left me in awe, and right beside it, you’ll find the Badavilinga Temple, another gem nestled in the natural beauty of Hampi. 🌿 🌟 Must-Visit in Hampi: This spiritual site is one of the most significant places in Hampi, just a short 50-meter walk from the road. Make sure you don’t miss this spot—it’s one of those hidden treasures you’ll be thankful to experience. 🙏 The temple is famous for the towering figure of Narasimha, one of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Originally, the statue depicted Goddess Lakshmi seated on his lap, a sight that must have been truly magnificent. Right next door is the Badavilinga Temple, home to a 3-meter tall Shiva Lingam that’s always submerged in water from the Tungabhadra River, creating a serene atmosphere. 🌊 Even though some parts of the statue are damaged, it still radiates timeless grace and divinity. 🙌 🐒 Friendly Monkeys & a Gentle Giant: The area is so spacious and peaceful, and you’ll spot plenty of friendly monkeys around. Inside the temple, there’s also a beautiful elephant 🐘, but I felt bad seeing people giving money to receive blessings from him. It’s not necessary—just admire the beauty and tranquility of the place. ❤️ 📸 Picture-Perfect Moments: For all the photography lovers out there, the monument offers some fantastic backgrounds! Whether it’s the ancient sculpture of Narasimha or the peaceful Shiva Lingam, there are plenty of spots to capture some beautiful memories. 📸 🚗 Ample Parking & Easy Access: The place offers ample parking, making it easy to visit. If you’re exploring Hampi, I’d definitely recommend renting a bike or car to fully enjoy the journey through these historical temples and monuments. 🛵🚗 Jai Narasimha! 🙏 This sacred site beautifully showcases the Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu and reflects the artistic mastery of that era. Don’t miss the culmination of Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions that’s on display here, with both the Lakshmi Narasimha statue and the towering Shiva Lingam standing...