Ananthasayanagudi in Hosapet Bellary district, Karnataka state, India was
constructed by King Krishnadeva Raya (1524 AD) of the Vijayanagara Empire in memory
of his deceased son.
This North facing
temple is one of the great monuments of Vijayanagara period. Built by
Krishnadeva Raya, this temple is situated in Ananthasayanagu Di village, just
outside of Hospete, Karnataka. The village itself was built by Krishnadeva Raya
as Sale Tirumala Maharayapura in memory of his Son. Later it got the present
name after this huge temple. The main deity of the temple was Anantha
Padmanabha Swamy. Currently there is no Murthi in the Garbha Griha.
The Garbha Griha is a wide chamber measuring more than 20 meters in width, 6 meters in depth and about 20 meters in height. Yes, it is an unusual size for regular Hindu temples. The base of the statue suggests that the deity might have been in a reclined posture. There are three entrances to the Garbha Griha.
Visitors entering Garbha Griha will be awe struck by its huge proportions. There is every possibility for Hampi visitor to miss this temple as it is away from the main heritage sites of Hampi. Do make it a point to keep this in your Hampi itinerary.