Badavilinga Temple
Hampi's largest monolithic Shiva Linga, perpetually submerged in a mystical water-filled pedestal, offering a serene spiritual experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
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Best Time
Peaceful and cool atmosphere
Badavilinga Temple
Best Time
Peaceful and cool atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hampi's largest monolithic Shiva Linga, perpetually submerged in a mystical water-filled pedestal, offering a serene spiritual experience.
"A powerful and peaceful spot, home to Hampi's largest monolithic Shiva Linga, unique for its simple setting and base perpetually submerged in water."
💧 Water Source Mystery
The water source feeding the linga's pedestal is unknown, adding to the temple's mystique.
🚶♀️ Combine with Narasimha
Visit Badavilinga Temple alongside the nearby Lakshmi Narasimha Temple for a complete experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Monolithic Shiva Linga
Main Shrine
Hampi's largest Shiva Linga, carved from a single black stone, stands majestically in a water-filled pedestal.
Submerged Pedestal
Base of the Linga
The linga is perpetually surrounded by water, creating a unique spiritual and visual spectacle.

Proximity to Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
Adjacent Area
Easily combined with a visit to the nearby, impressive Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, offering a fuller Hampi experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Badavilinga Temple
Respectful Attire and Conduct
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Water Source Mystery
The water source feeding the linga's pedestal is unknown, adding to the temple's mystique.
🚶♀️ Combine with Narasimha
Visit Badavilinga Temple alongside the nearby Lakshmi Narasimha Temple for a complete experience.
🙏 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred site.
👟 Remove Footwear
Always take off your shoes before entering the temple area.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Water Source Mystery
The water source feeding the linga's pedestal is unknown, adding to the temple's mystique.
🚶♀️ Combine with Narasimha
Visit Badavilinga Temple alongside the nearby Lakshmi Narasimha Temple for a complete experience.
🙏 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred site.
👟 Remove Footwear
Always take off your shoes before entering the temple area.
📸 Capture the Aura
The interplay of light and water on the linga is a photographer's delight.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Badavilinga Temple for its powerful spiritual atmosphere and the awe-inspiring monolithic Shiva Linga, uniquely set in a water-filled pedestal. The peaceful ambiance and the historical significance of this ancient site are frequently highlighted as major draws, making it a must-visit in Hampi.
"Shree Badavilinga Gudi in Hampi is a powerful and peaceful spot, home to Hampi's largest monolithic Shiva Linga. Carved from a single stone, it's unique for its simple setting and base perpetually submerged in water. It's a "strong" testament to devotion and a "happy" place for its serene, spiritual vibe.🙏🙏🙏"
Rahul P
"Badavilinga is a large stone Shiva Linga in Hampi, placed inside a small temple. It is made from one big rock and always has water around its base. The place is peaceful and shows the strong spiritual side of Hampi. A good spot for those who enjoy ancient temples and calm surroundings."
Pratik Kumar Mishra
"The Badavilinga Temple is truly mesmerizing. The massive Shiva Linga, carved out of a single stone, is awe-inspiring in its sheer size and presence. What makes it even more special is that it stands in a pool of water, constantly fed by the Tungabhadra river — a detail that adds to its spiritual aura.
Even after centuries, the linga is worshipped to this day, and standing before it, you can feel a sense of reverence and stillness. The play of light and water reflections on the stone make it a sight you won’t easily forget."
Krithika Saptarishi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Badavilinga Temple is located in Hampi, Karnataka, India. It's easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or by foot if you're exploring the Hampi Bazaar area. Many visitors combine it with a tour of other Hampi sites like the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple.
Yes, Badavilinga Temple is a common stop on most Hampi tours, often visited alongside the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple and other key archaeological sites.
Many travelers opt for auto-rickshaws for a convenient way to cover multiple Hampi attractions, including Badavilinga Temple.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Badavilinga Temple is generally free, as it's an open-air temple and a place of worship. However, there might be nominal charges for vehicle parking.
Badavilinga Temple is typically open from sunrise to sunset, allowing visitors to experience its spiritual ambiance throughout the day.
No, there is no specific entry fee for Badavilinga Temple. It's a sacred site open to all.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Shiva Linga at Badavilinga Temple is Hampi's largest monolithic linga, carved from a single black stone and standing in a perpetually water-filled pedestal, creating a unique spiritual sight.
The exact source of the water is a mystery, but it's believed to be a natural spring or a cleverly designed ancient water channel, adding to the temple's mystique.
As a sacred idol, it's best to observe the Shiva Linga respectfully from a distance and avoid touching it.
Legend suggests a poor woman built this Shiva Linga after her wish for a child was fulfilled, and it remains Hampi's largest Shiva Linga.
Yes, the unique setting of the linga in water, especially during golden hour, makes it a very photogenic spot.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Hampi Bazaar, located nearby, offers various local eateries and restaurants serving South Indian cuisine. You can find options ranging from simple dhabas to more established restaurants.
Expect traditional South Indian vegetarian dishes like dosas, idlis, thalis, and rice preparations. Many places also offer snacks and beverages.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic shot is of the Shiva Linga with its water-filled pedestal. The surrounding ancient architecture and the play of light on the stone are also great subjects.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light, with softer shadows and a warmer glow on the stone structures.
Generally, photography is allowed, but it's always respectful to be mindful of devotees and avoid intrusive shots. Tripods might be restricted in certain areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Combine your visit with the nearby Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, which features a giant statue that can spark curiosity. Pack plenty of water and snacks, as facilities can be limited. Consider an auto-rickshaw tour to make navigating between sites easier and more engaging for younger travelers.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Backpackers
Solo traveler tips: Engage with local auto-rickshaw drivers; they often have fascinating stories about Hampi's history and legends. Use the opportunity to practice mindfulness or meditation by the water. Badavilinga is also a great place to meet fellow travelers who are equally awestruck by Hampi's wonders.
📸 Photographers
Photography tips: Aim for early morning or late afternoon visits to capture the best light. Experiment with different angles to showcase the scale of the linga and the unique water feature. Be mindful of other visitors and maintain a respectful distance while composing your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Monolithic Marvel: Badavilinga
What truly sets the Badavilinga apart is its perpetually water-filled pedestal. The linga is housed within a small shrine, and its base is constantly submerged in water, which is fed by an unseen source. This constant flow of water is believed to have spiritual significance, symbolizing purity and the life-giving nature of the divine. The interplay of light on the water and the ancient stone creates a serene and almost mystical atmosphere, making it a powerful focal point for devotees and visitors alike.
Legend adds another layer of fascination to the temple. It's said that a poor woman commissioned the linga after her wish for a child was miraculously fulfilled. This story underscores the deep devotion associated with the site and its enduring legacy as a place of spiritual power and hope. Visiting Badavilinga offers a glimpse into the rich religious and artistic heritage of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Exploring Hampi's Sacred Landscape
When planning your Hampi itinerary, consider how Badavilinga fits into the larger picture. Many visitors use auto-rickshaws to navigate between the scattered ruins and temples, making it easy to include Badavilinga along with sites like the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple (famous for its musical pillars and stone chariot), and the Royal Enclosure. This comprehensive approach ensures you capture the essence of Hampi's historical grandeur and spiritual depth.
Remember that Hampi is an expansive site, and comfortable footwear is essential for exploring its many wonders. While Badavilinga itself is a compact visit, the surrounding areas require walking. The Hampi Bazaar area, close to Badavilinga, offers local food options and a glimpse into the contemporary life of this historic town.
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