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Badavilinga

Hampi, Karnataka, India
The Badavilinga is the largest monolithic Shivalinga in Hampi, standing at an impressive height of 3 meters. The name is derived from two words: 'Badava' meaning poor and 'Linga' representing Lord Shiva. Legend has it that a poor peasant woman commissioned this massive carving, hence the name. The Linga is carved out of a single large black stone and features three eyes (representing the three eyes of Shiva) etched on its top. A unique and beautiful feature of this temple is that the pedestal is perpetually submerged in water. A small canal from the Tungabhadra river system flows through the temple floor, creating a natural 'abhisheka' or ritual bath. The shrine itself is a small, roofless stone chamber, which allows sunlight to fall directly onto the Linga, making it glow against the dark interior. It is located right next to the massive Lakshmi Narasimha statue, and the two are often visited together. Despite the destruction of many parts of Hampi, this Linga has remained remarkably intact. It is a place of active worship, and you will often find a priest performing rituals or lighting oil lamps that reflect beautifully in the surrounding water.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    20 - 30 Minutes
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    Place Type:
    Religious Site, Monolithic Structure
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    Entry Fees:
    There is no entry fee for Badavilinga. It is an open temple. Small voluntary donations for the priest or temple maintenance are common but not mandatory. ...
    There is no entry fee for Badavilinga. It is an open temple. Small voluntary donations for the priest or temple maintenance are common but not mandatory.
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    Timing:
    Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM when the sunlight enters the roofless chamber and illuminates the Linga. ...
    Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM when the sunlight enters the roofless chamber and illuminates the Linga.
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    Special Events:
    Maha Shivaratri is the most important event, where the Linga is decorated with flowers and hundreds of lamps. Devotees gather for night-long prayers and chanting. During the month of Karthika, special lamps are lit around the water base, creating a magical visual effect. ...
    Maha Shivaratri is the most important event, where the Linga is decorated with flowers and hundreds of lamps. Devotees gather for night-long prayers and chanting. During the month of Karthika, special lamps are lit around the water base, creating a magical visual effect.
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    Best Photo Spots:
    The Entrance View: Framing the tall Linga through the narrow stone doorway.

    The Reflection: A low-angle shot to capture the Linga and its reflection in the water.

    Close-up of the Eyes: Using a zoom lens to ...
    The Entrance View: Framing the tall Linga through the narrow stone doorway.

    The Reflection: A low-angle shot to capture the Linga and its reflection in the water.

    Close-up of the Eyes: Using a zoom lens to capture the detailed carvings on the upper part of the stone.

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Offer Prayer: You can request the priest to perform a small archana.

    Photography: Capture the play of light and shadow on the black stone.

    Observation: Study the intricate carving of the three eyes on the top part of the Linga.

    Walk to Narasimha: Take the short path to the adjacent Lakshmi Narasimha statue.

    Quiet Reflection: Sit on the steps outside and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere.

    Hydraulics Study: Observe how the water enters and exits the shrine without flooding the surrounding path. ...

Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    It is famous for being the biggest Shivalinga in the entire Hampi region. Its fame also comes from the legend of the poor woman's devotion, showing that the grandeur of Hampi wasn't just for kings. The image of the giant Linga standing in a pool of water inside a dark stone room is one of the mos...
    It is famous for being the biggest Shivalinga in the entire Hampi region. Its fame also comes from the legend of the poor woman's devotion, showing that the grandeur of Hampi wasn't just for kings. The image of the giant Linga standing in a pool of water inside a dark stone room is one of the most iconic and frequently photographed sights in Karnataka. It represents the Shaivite influence in the empire.
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    Architecture:
    The Badavilinga is an example of the grand monolithic tradition of Vijayanagara art. The Linga has a circular base (yoni pitha) that leads into a cylindrical shaft. It stands approximately 3 meters high and is housed in a simple stone cubicle measuring about 4x4 meters. The chamber has no roof, ...
    The Badavilinga is an example of the grand monolithic tradition of Vijayanagara art. The Linga has a circular base (yoni pitha) that leads into a cylindrical shaft. It stands approximately 3 meters high and is housed in a simple stone cubicle measuring about 4x4 meters. The chamber has no roof, which is an intentional or accidental feature that provides natural lighting. The stone is a fine-grained granite that has been polished to a smooth finish.
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    How To Reach:
    By Air: Hubballi or Jindal Vijaynagar.

    By Train: Hospet Junction.

    By Road: Located on the main road from Hampi to Kamalapura.

    By Local Transport: It is within walking dista...
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    Near Tourist Places:
    Lakshmi Narasimha (50 meters), Krishna Temple (200 meters), Hampi Bazaar (1 KM), Hemakuta Hill (1 KM), Uddana Veerabhadra (100 meters), Lotus Mahal (2 KMS), Hazara Rama (1. 5 KMS), Virupaksha Temple (1. 2 KMS), Matanga Hill (1. 5 KMS), Underground Shiva Temple (1 KM).

Tourism Tips

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    Health & Safety: The floor around the water can be a bit slippery; walk carefully.

    Packing: No special gear needed, but carry a camera.

    Accommodation: Stay in Hampi Bazaar or Kamalapura.

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Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

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