Hemakuta hill is a rocky hill that is immediately north of the raja gopura of the Virupaksha temple. It has a collection of modestly sized monuments that are the best preserved examples of pre-Vijayanagara and early-Vijayanagara temples and construction. This has several important inscriptions, is easily accessible and provides views of the some parts of Hampi and the fertile, agricultural valley.
The Hemakuta hill has more than 30 small to moderate sized temples.
Some of the structures are differently sized prototypes of temples or mantapas, assembled from blocks of stones. Others are completed monuments of different designs.
Hemakuta hill is one of the top locations in Hampi for watching sunset.
Legend says that when Lord Shiva married Pampa (an incarnation of Parvathi), it rained gold on this hill. Hema means gold, hence the name Hemakuta hill. On Hemakuta hill, you can see Moola Virupaksha Temple, considered to be the original Virupaksha Temple. This small temple has a pool in front.
The Hemakuta hill also has monuments with two monolithic Ganesha; the Kadalekalu Ganesha and the Sasivekalu Ganesha. The 15 feet Kadalekalu Ganesha is named after gram-shaped stone grains on Ganesha’s belly. The 8 feet Sasivekalu Ganesha is named after mustard-sized stone grains on Ganesha’ belly.
The Sasivekalu Ganesha is carved with his mother Parvati, in whose lap he sits. She is only visible from the back of the statue. The monument is housed inside an open-pillared mantapa; the left hand and tusk have been damaged.
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