Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple Hampi during Sunset
In the southern foot of Hemakuta Hills of Hampi there are 2 temples dedicated to the Elephant headed God – Ganesha. Sasivekalu Temple and Kadaleku Temple – They have different manifestations of Lord Ganesha.
Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple during Sunset
Sasivekalu Temple dates back to 15th century. A very simple open shrine, it has just the roof supported by several square pillars. The idol is a massive 8 feet tall monolithic image of Lord Ganesha. The belly here has a near spherical shape resembling the seed of mustard, hence the name.
Lord Ganesha has 4 arms, each holding a broken elephant tusk, a gada (mace), a noose and a modak. There is a snake carved around the belly.
Sasivekalu Ganesha idol
Lord Ganesha pot belly resembling mustard seed
Kadalekalu Temple Hampi
Very close to Sasivekalu Temple is the Kadalekalu Temple. It is on the northeastern slope of Hemakuta Hill. This shrine is an enclosed one with more beautifully sculpted pillars.
The inner sanctum of the shrine has bigger idol of Lord Ganesha. It is 15 feet monolithic image of Lord Ganesha with 4 arms. Belly of this statue resembles seed of Bengal Gram. In local language bengal gram is called by the name kadalekalu hence the name for the temple.
It was quite dark inside the shrine so I had to use flash for the picture.
Kadalekalu Temple Hampi
Kadalekalu Ganesha idol
How many days for Hampi Tour?
The ruins of Hampi with 83 monuments scattered over 26 sq km. Tourists are well known to cover this in one day! But a true traveler exploring new places and destinations can never have enough of Hampi in one day. And that is because there are so many things to do in Hampi.
Like I mentioned there are 83 monuments, if not more, to see in UNESCO World Heritage site Hampi in Karnataka India. You need at least 5 days to see good number of them.
If you are in a severe time crunch and can spare just one day in Hampi, then must see places are: Virupaksha Temple, Ganesha and Hemakuta group of temples, Lotus Mahal, Ugra Narasimha / Lakshmi Narasimha Statue, Dasara Dibba, Stepped tank, Hampi Bazaar and Krishna Temple. This will be a satisfying tour of the day. All these are scattered at different places in Hampi, so s good map of Hampi and bit of planning will definitely help.
Sunset in Hampi Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple Karnataka
Things to do in Hampi
My second visit to this great UN World Heritage site, I strolled around in my own pace. It seemed to me as if each corner beckoned me to have a good look. I roamed around in the ruins, one page at a time, devouring the details of the sculpted stones. Sipping tender coconut water I walked towards the western end of the site.
Photographs can never do justice to this medieval marvel of south India. Nevertheless this is one thing you can indulge in to your heart’s content in Hampi. Especially with monuments in different stages of ruin you can do excellent photography in Hampi. If you are an early bird you will find good viewpoints of sunrise captures. But late latifs too can get wonderful photo opportunities during sunset in Hampi.
And if you have the good habit of sending postcards to your near and dear ones you can make some with sunset in Hampi quotes.
Sunset in Hampi Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple
The Sun never pauses along its path, yet like a snail I moved on through the busy market lanes. Darkness waiting to takeover and at that final moment of the day I managed to capture the setting sun between the pillars of Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple. The fake sense of victory pleased me.
Interested to see Lord Ganesha on a hill top? Check here: Lord Ganesha in Dholkal Chhattisgarh
Pin this for later…
Sunset Viewpoint in Hampi – Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple
Beautiful image!! have yet to write about my hampi trip:(
Gorgeous!! I would like to sit there, to watch the sunset, to philosophize…. 🙂
Beautiful! The words, as well as the pic.
more photos?
Your victory was far from fake, gorgeous capture! Congrats on the POTW mention.
a wonderful photo.
Happy to meet you through Hillary.
Gorgeous! Congrats on POTW!
Great capture!
Congratulations on Hilary's Post of the Week Award!
Perfect shot. What a great capture.
Darryl and Ruth : )
Stunning composition……….i feel any picture clicked in glorious Hampi comes out great !!! 🙂
It's a nice composition, though i don't know anything abt photography to use these heavy words!
and why fake sense of victory? Our victories may be minute, but that doesn't make them fake, no?
Love the sunset lighting!!! Great pic of a great place!!!
Mohanur Temple Tour – Part 2
Stunning!
Wonderful
A very real sense of victory, because you captured this wonderful photo. Good work, Indrani!
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
This is a wonderful and magical photograph. I love it!
Short and sweet post!!! Thanks for reminding me of my wish to re-visit the place as an adult 🙂
What a poetic shot, it's gorgeous.
The sun peeking between the columns is so stunning and thinking about sipping coconut water sounds so exotic and romantic.
Oh, what a wonderful sunset through the pillars! Very nice!
I don't think I would call this beautiful photo a 'fake' victory. It's a marvelous capture. It looks as if the past is about to come alive with the setting of the sun.
Really beautiful! The monument makes it look magical.
Extra ordinary snap. The setting Sun seen through the pillars is really amazing. I believe to do justice to this place one needs atleast three days. Thanks.
Nice photo. I think you maybe captured the essence of the place.
Superb sunset at Hampi! You mentioned Hampi when we met. Ok, I'll keep this wonderful place in mind when I'm in Karnataka next:)
Just made my 1st trip to Hampi and was blown away by the beauty of all structures and monuments…
love the shot!!
wow, perfect timing! i love it!
awesome shot
happy SWF
Indrani, your post makes me feel jealous! Ever since my teen-age years I've wished to visit Hampi during the winter festival and till date it has lived within me as a dream unfulfilled.
While I write this comment I know there are artists at Humpi who are getting ready to perform and stun the audience tonight…But yet again I wish I was there…
Your picture prompts me to make a promise to myself that I shall be a part of the mersmerised audience at humpi next winter… 🙂
Lovely photo of the sun setting. Have a nice weekend.
You must have the patience of a saint to wait for the exact moment to take this image. Impressive!
Joyce M
Gorgeous!
My Sky shots, have a great weekend!
Perfect timing indeed and what a breathtaking moment it had to be! Your photo is superb as always. Such stunning colors! Have a lovely day and a great weekend!
Sylvia
What a great photo. What timing. What a moment. Thanks.
Its sooooo beautiful 🙂
Amazing sight! Happy Friday!
Sky Watch
Wow…this is great Indrani.
greetings, Joop
Oh my.. what a stunning image. Beautifully done, Indrani!
Wow fantastic angle!
Thank you for sharing
Happy SWF weekend.
Skywatch Friday"