Hazara Rama Temple, Hampi

The Hazararama temple is the only temple located in the core of the royal zone between the residential and ceremonial enclosures. It is dedicated to lord Vishnu in Rama Avatar. Built in the 15th century, it is the finest example of a compact Dravida Vimana type of temple. It has a sanctum, vestibule, pillared dance hall, with an entrance porch to the north and south. The eastern pavilion is extended into an elegant pillared pavilion. There is a shrine to the goddess to the north which is also elegantly sculpted.

Hazararama temple is known for its sculpted friezes depicting the Ramayana, in three tiers running all around the main shrine and the narrative sculpture of the Luv – Kush story on the devi shrine. It is because of this the temple is evidently called Hazara Rama. In addition the temple is also know for the narrative sculptures of Bhagavata, especially of Bala Krishna and the sculpted polished pillars of the mahamantapa (main hall). It was undoubtedly the temple of royal patronage.

In front of Hazararama temple there is the Pan Supari (betel nut) bazaar. There is a stone pillar which resembles very much like a Ahoka pillar. The temple is located at the junction of a road near Zanana enclosure. Entrance is free.