The Ananthashayana Temple, located in Ananthashayana Gudi near the world-renowned ruins of Hampi, stands as one of the most structurally unique monuments of the Vijayanagara Empire. Built in 1524 AD by the legendary King Krishnadevaraya, the temple is not merely a feat of architecture but a poignant memorial to the King’s deceased son, Prince Saleuva Tirumala Raya. While the capital city of Vijayanagara was described by the 15th-century Persian ambassador Abdur Razzak as a place unmatched on earth, this specific temple reflects the empire’s peak artistic and emotional maturity.
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| Ananthashayana temple,Hampi en.wikipedia.org |
Above image:According to an inscription, dated A.D. 1524, on the walls of the temple the town of Sale Tirumala Maharajapuram (evidently the present village of Anantasayana Gudi) was founded by Krishnadeva Raya. It was in memory of his deceased son and that he built here a temple for the God Anantapadmanabha.He also granted number of villages for its upkeep and appointed priests of the Vaikhanasa sect for the conduct of worship.........
Historical Context and Etymology
The temple’s name is derived from Ananthashayana, the iconographic representation of Lord Vishnu reclining on the many-headed cosmic serpent, Ananta (Shesha). Historically, the temple marks a period of significant imperial patronage. Although the formal inscriptions detailing its consecration are missing, the temple’s scale and style firmly anchor it to the era of Krishnadevaraya. A local legend adds a layer of mystery to its history: it is said that the original massive idol intended for this sanctuary became immovably fixed at Holalu after a guide violated a divine condition not to look back during its transport. Consequently, the massive sanctum at Ananthashayana Gudi remains without its primary deity.
Unique Architectural Marvel
The architecture of Ananthashayana deviates sharply from the standard square-sanctum templates of the era. To accommodate the horizontal, reclining form of Vishnu, the architects designed a vast rectangular sanctuary.
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| Mantapa near west Gopuram, Hampi, KA Ananthashayana temple en.wikimedia.org |
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| West side,Mandaba near ancient well Ananthashayana temple en.wikimedia.org |
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| W. Gopuram &Hanuman mantapa Ananthashayana temple Hampi en.wikipedia.org |
The Vaulted Roof: The most striking feature is the wagon-vaulted (apsidal) brick and lime-mortar roof, which towers approximately 24 meters above the sanctuary. This semi-cylindrical structure is a rare engineering marvel of the 16th century.
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| view through galigopuram, Hampi, KA en.wikipedia.org |
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| Inside Garbhagriha Ananthashayana temple en. wikipedia.org |
The Mandapa: Preceding the sanctuary is a magnificent Maha Mandapa supported by lofty, intricately carved granite columns, typical of the "Hampi style."
Triple Doorways: The sanctuary is accessed through three large doors, intended to allow devotees to view the head, torso, and feet of the reclining Lord simultaneously.
Monumental Significance and Conservation
As a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the temple is a critical study in indo-saracenic influence on Hindu temple rooftops. Conservation efforts have focused on stabilizing the massive brick vault and restoring the plasterwork of the shikhara. Today, while the ruins of Hampi echo the empire's fall, the Ananthashayana temple stands as a silent, soaring tribute to a father's love and the sophisticated engineering of the Vijayanagara craftsmen.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ananthasayana_Temple
K. N. Jayaraman
