About Ananthasayana Temple
The Ananthasayana Temple stands in Ananthasayanagudi, a village on the edge of Hosapete in Vijayanagara district of Karnataka, on the road to Hampi. It was built for Lord Vishnu as Ananthasayana, the god reclining on the cosmic serpent Ananta (Adishesha). Today it is a protected monument rather than a busy place of worship, as the sanctum stands empty, but its size and unusual design make it one of the most striking buildings of the Vijayanagara period around Hampi.
The temple is credited to the great Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya, and is dated to around 1524 CE. It is commonly said that he built it in memory of a son who died young, though the foundation inscription has not survived, so some details remain uncertain. A local legend explains why the sanctum is empty: the image of the reclining Vishnu was being brought here on condition that its bearer would not look back, but when he did, the image became fixed where it stood, at a place called Holalu. Whatever the reason, the long stone pedestal intended for the image remains in place.
The sanctum is a long rectangular chamber entered through three doorways, designed to hold a reclining image. Above it rises a remarkable vaulted roof of brick and plaster, about 24 metres high, with rounded ends, quite unlike the stepped towers of most South Indian temples. In front is a large hall with tall granite pillars, and the complex once had a gateway tower and enclosure walls. Visitors can walk through the hall and look into the vast, quiet sanctum, which gives a sense of the scale of Vijayanagara building ambitions.
Ananthasayana Temple timings & aarti
As a monument it is usually open from about sunrise to sunset. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| No regular aarti | Not held; the sanctum is empty |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Ananthasayana Temple
By air
Jindal Vijaynagar airport (Toranagallu) is about 35 km away; Hubballi airport is about 150 km away.
By train
Hosapete Junction is about 4 km away.
By road
The temple is just outside Hosapete on the road to Hampi, easily reached by auto-rickshaw or taxi.
Festivals at Ananthasayana Temple
- Vaikuntha Ekadashi (at Vishnu temples in the region)Dec/Jan
- Hampi Utsav (nearby Hampi; dates vary)Jan/Feb
- Virupaksha car festival (Hampi)Mar/Apr
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is recommended. Wear a hat and comfortable shoes, as the area is exposed to the sun.
- Entry
- Free; it is an ASI-protected monument.
- This is a monument with no active worship; treat it with respect and do not climb on the structure.
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and get good light.
- Combine it with a day at Hampi and the Tungabhadra Dam.
- Carry water, as there are few shops at the site.
Places to visit near Ananthasayana Temple
- Hosapete townBase town for Hampi visits, about 3 km away
- Tungabhadra DamLarge dam with gardens and views, about 8 km away
- KamalapuraVillage with the Hampi archaeological museum, about 10 km away
- Hampi (Virupaksha Temple)UNESCO-listed Vijayanagara capital, about 13 km away
Frequently asked questions
Who built the Ananthasayana Temple near Hosapete?
It is credited to the Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya and dated to about 1524 CE.
Why is the sanctum of the Ananthasayana Temple empty?
The intended reclining Vishnu image was never installed. A local legend says it became fixed at Holalu on the way.
Is there worship at the Ananthasayana Temple?
It is maintained as a protected monument, and regular worship is not held in the empty sanctum.
How far is the Ananthasayana Temple from Hampi?
It is about 13 km from the Virupaksha temple at Hampi, close to Hosapete town.
What is the aarti time at Ananthasayana Temple?
No regular aarti: Not held; the sanctum is empty. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Ananthasayana Temple timings?
As a monument it is usually open from about sunrise to sunset. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Ananthasayana Temple?
Modest clothing is recommended. Wear a hat and comfortable shoes, as the area is exposed to the sun.
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