Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple, a unique treasure of Hampi
03 Jun 2022 17:28:01
Today, let us explore a temple which was first of more than 700 Hanuman temples built in an empire, hence making it fascinating & unique in more ways than one. At a distance of an approximately 2 kms from the Virupaksha temple, inside a cave; on top of the hill is the unique temple of Yantrodharaka Hanuman, that is easily about 500 years old. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The idol here is said to have been installed by Sri Vyasaraja, who was the Rajaguru of the Vijayanagara kingdom and one of the Dwaita philosophers.
Other temples around the Yantrodharaka Hanumantha temple just about 5 mins climb from the Yantrodharaka temple, there is a small temple dedicated to Lord Srinivasa (Incarnation of Lord Vishnu); an idol that has been carved by Sri Vyasaraja himself. In front of the Yantrodharaka temple, below a fig tree; many snake stones are also worshiped.
The legend and history of the Yantrodharaka Hanuman temple | It was said that every single day, Sri Vyasaraja used to draw a picture of the Lord Hanuman on the rocks before he offered his prayers using a piece of charcoal. Interestingly, the picture used to disappear completely, right after his rituals were completed.
This occurrence happened for 12 consecutive days, until the Guru pleaded to the Lord to appear in front of him. So finally, on the twelfth day, Lord Hanuman appeared in front of the Guru and blessed him. It is believed that the Lord himself asked Sri Vyasaraja to first constrain him within a hexagonal or a 6 angled amulet and then install him in that place. According to legend, this was also the place where Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman met for the very first time.
It is also said that the temple is the first of the 732 Hanuman idols that Vyasa Raja or Vyasa Theertha (1447-1539) built. Vyasa Raja was the Raja Guru of Vijayanagar. He not only stayed in Vijayanagar and advised the emperor, but also held the position of chancellor of Vijayanagar University.
Also Read | Keshavraj, the temple built by Pandavas in just one night!
Architecture of the Yantrodharaka Hanumantha | The temple is situated on the top of a hill, and on the very banks of Tungabhadra River. You will find steps that lead to this temple. In the temple, Lord Hanuman is in a meditative state.
When you closely look at the idol, carvings of 12 monkeys become visible, holding the tails of one another with them facing backwards. This is actually a representation of the 12 days of prayers that Sri Vyasaraja did before the Lord blessed him. Here, the crown of Lord Hanuman is his tail and there are seed syllables carved on the entire rock around the statue.
Some interesting facts about the temple - The Yantrodharaka Hanuman is the first installation of Sri Vyasaraja amongst the 732 other installations of Hanuman. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama within the Hanuman temple which acts as evidence of Rama's and Hanuman's union in this place.
A portion of the river of Tungabhadra that flows in this divine land is called as the Chakrateertha. This is also the only Hanuman idol facing his devotees straight and is in the meditative state!
Other temples around the Yantrodharaka Hanumantha temple just about 5 mins climb from the Yantrodharaka temple, there is a small temple dedicated to Lord Srinivasa (Incarnation of Lord Vishnu); an idol that has been carved by Sri Vyasaraja himself. In front of the Yantrodharaka temple, below a fig tree; many snake stones are also worshiped.