Ananthasayana Temple

Ananthasayana Temple
Ananthasayana Temple
	Ananthasayana Temple
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
District	Bellary district
Deity	Vishnu
Location
Location	Hospet
State	Karnataka
Country	India
	Location in Karnataka, India Ananthasayana Temple (Karnataka)
Geographic coordinates	15°16′41″N 76°24′26″E / 15.27806°N 76.40722°E
Architecture
Style	Vijayanagara architecture
Creator	Krishnadevaraya
Completed	1524 AD
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Official name	Shri Ananthashayana Temple
Part of	Group of Monuments at Hampi
Criteria	Cultural:
Reference	241bis-001
Inscription	1986 (10th Session)
Extensions	N/A

Ananthasayana temple in Ananthasayanagudi, Bellary district, Karnataka state, India was constructed by King Krishnadeva Raya (1524 AD) of the Vijayanagara Empirein memory of his deceased son.^[1]

Etymology

The temple is known as Shri Ananthashayana, named after the deity Vishnu, who is depicted reclining on the cosmic serpent Ananta.^[2]

History

The temple was erected by the renowned king Krishnadevaraya in 1524. Although the temple is significant, the inscription detailing its history is missing. The temple is believed to be connected to the artistic endeavors of the Vijayanagara Empire. This empire, renowned for its grandeur and achievements, was described by the 15th-century Persian ambassador, Abdur Razzak, as a remarkable place unmatched on earth. Today, the remnants of this once-glorious kingdom, particularly around Hampi in the Bellary district, stand as ruins that echo the empire's past splendor.^[3]

Architecture

The temple is unique in its construction, featuring a large rectangular sanctuary that is accessed through triple doorways. This sanctuary was intended to accommodate a reclining image of Vishnu. The temple's structure is primarily made of plaster-covered brickwork, with only its long granite pedestal currently visible. A striking feature is the vaulted roof, which rises approximately 24 meters above the sanctuary, with semi-circular ends that are still intact, though partially restored. The sanctuary is preceded by a spacious mandapa supported by lofty columns.^[2]

Cultural significance

The temple's architectural design reflects the artistic traditions of the time, particularly in the way it accommodates the deity. A notable legend associated with the temple tells of a guide tasked with transporting the idol of Anantasayana to its intended location, who was instructed not to look back. When he broke this agreement, the idol remained immovable at Holalu, reflecting the challenges faced during that era.^[4]