Hampi's hidden rock-cut temple

The cave temple is situated about half a kilometre away from Mahanavami Dibba, and wedged between Saraswathi temple and the octagonal water tank. The temple is about seven metres in length and 2.25 metres in breadth, divided into three compartments with the sanctum, sukhanasi and mukhamantapa. There is no ornamentation on the walls. There is no sign of any deity installed in the cave temple.  The cave temple is not as massive as the ones found at Badami belonging to the early Chalukya period. If you want to visit the cave temple, you have to go by walk from the Queen’s bath monument, avoiding thorns, stones and weed. There is no name board or sign plate to lead to the cave temple.

K Ramachandra
Photo by Ganesh Yaji