Continuously active since around the 7th century and greatly expanded under the Vijayanagara Empire, it is the only major temple in the Hampi UNESCO World Heritage complex still in daily worship.
Its towering nine-tier gopuram and a rare inverted shadow phenomenon in an inner chamber (an early pinhole-camera effect) make it both a spiritual and architectural marvel.
Nearest airport: Hubli or Bellary. Nearest railway station: Hospet Junction (~13 km).
Hospet town and Hampi Bazaar offer guesthouses and hotels for all budgets.
Contact the temple's Archaeological Survey/Endowment office or Karnataka Tourism.
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