Hazara Rama Temple
A 15th-century temple famed for its walls covered in over 1,000 intricate carvings depicting the Ramayana epic.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Hazara Rama Temple
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 15th-century temple famed for its walls covered in over 1,000 intricate carvings depicting the Ramayana epic.
"Its walls are covered with thousands of intricate carvings narrating the story of Lord Rama. "
Wear Comfy Shoes
Lots of easy walking around the temple and Royal Enclosure. :athletic_shoe:
Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during hotter months. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ramayana Carvings
Walls adorned with over 1,000 intricate carvings narrating the epic Ramayana from birth to coronation.
Pillared Hall (Mandapa)
Discover beautifully decorated pillars showcasing royal processions, elephants, horses, and dancers.
Royal Enclosure Location
Experience this temple as the private place of worship for Vijayanagara kings, nestled among palaces.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Hazara Rama Temple
Understand the Royal Connection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfy Shoes
Lots of easy walking around the temple and Royal Enclosure. :athletic_shoe:
Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during hotter months. :droplet:
Sun Protection Essential
Wear a hat and sunscreen; it gets very humid and hot by noon. :sunwithface:
Photography Friendly
Great place for photography, capture the intricate details. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfy Shoes
Lots of easy walking around the temple and Royal Enclosure. :athletic_shoe:
Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during hotter months. :droplet:
Sun Protection Essential
Wear a hat and sunscreen; it gets very humid and hot by noon. :sunwithface:
Photography Friendly
Great place for photography, capture the intricate details. :camerawithflash:
Entry Fee Applies
There's a fee for entry, with higher charges for foreigners. :ticket:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Hazara Rama Temple's unique and intricate Ramayana carvings, calling it a 'stone Ramayana book' and a must-visit for its detailed storytelling. Its historical significance as the private royal temple within the Royal Enclosure is also highly appreciated. While smaller than other Hampi temples, its ornate details and well-preserved state make it a standout attraction.
"The Hazara Rama Temple is truly special — its walls are covered with thousands of intricate carvings narrating the story of Lord Rama. Unlike other massive temples in Hampi, this one is compact yet detailed, making it unique. Located inside the Royal Enclosure, it gives a glimpse into the life and devotion of the Vijayanagara kings. A must-visit for history and mythology lovers!
📍 Location
• In the Royal Enclosure, Hampi, Karnataka.
• Surrounded by palaces and audience halls — it was the private temple of the Vijayanagara kings.
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✨ History
• Built in the early 15th century by Devaraya I.
• Dedicated to Lord Rama (incarnation of Vishnu).
• The name “Hazara Rama” means “thousand Ramas” — because the walls depict countless scenes from the Ramayana.
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🏛 Architectural Highlights
• Unique Feature: The outer walls are like a picture gallery, with over 1,000 carvings narrating episodes from the Ramayana (from Rama’s birth to his coronation).
• Pillared Hall (Mandapa): Beautifully decorated with depictions of royal processions, elephants, horses, and dancers.
• Sanctum (Garbhagriha): Once enshrined an idol of Rama, now empty.
• Comparatively smaller than Vittala or Virupaksha temples, but extremely ornate and detailed.
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🌟 Importance
• Served as the ceremonial temple for the royal family.
• A treasure trove for history and mythology enthusiasts — almost like a stone Ramayana book.
• Still well-preserved compared to many other monuments in Hampi."
SHIVRAJ NALAWADE
"This beautiful place of worship dedicated to Lord Rama is located at the centre of the royal area of Hampi. The temple which was the private temple of kings of Vijayanagara is popular for the lovely sculptures and panels depict story of the epic Ramayana. Easy terrain, lot of easy walking. Lots of locals, some tourists and pilgrims. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Beautiful place. Lots to see. Fee charged for entry. Higher fees for foreigners. Great place for photography. Very humid and hot at by noon."
s vivekananda
"Great temple built by Vijayanagara Empire Artists and architects. Entire scenes of Epic Ramayana are carved on walls of this temple. It is my personal opinion that it's must be used by King and Royal people as there special place of worship in Vijayanagara Empire era. Because It's located near the palaces of Veera Harihara and Samrat Krishnadevaraya. The 4 pillers in main temple have outstanding carvings. You must see those intricate details. This temple is emblem of all time great Bharatiya / Indian craftsmanship. A must see monument in Hampi visit."
Ishanya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hazara Rama Temple is located within the Royal Enclosure in Hampi. You can reach Hampi by bus or train to Hospet, then take a local bus or auto-rickshaw to the Hampi site. The temple is easily accessible on foot once you are within the Royal Enclosure.
Yes, the Hazara Rama Temple is a common stop on most Hampi tours, often included with visits to other key sites like Virupaksha Temple and Vittala Temple.
Exploring the Royal Enclosure, including the Hazara Rama Temple, is best done on foot. Consider hiring an auto-rickshaw for the day to cover longer distances between sites within Hampi.
Since it's within the Royal Enclosure, once you're there, walking is ideal. If coming from Hospet, a bus to Hampi is budget-friendly, costing around 25 rupees.
Cycling is a great way to explore Hampi and reach the Royal Enclosure. Ensure you have a good lock for your bicycle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entry fee for the Hazara Rama Temple. Foreign nationals typically pay a higher fee than Indian citizens.
The temple generally follows the opening hours of the Hampi monuments, usually from sunrise to sunset. It's best to check locally for the most accurate times.
Currently, tickets are usually purchased on-site. It's advisable to confirm if online booking options are available closer to your travel date.
While photography is generally allowed and encouraged, there might be specific rules or small charges for professional equipment. Standard camera use is usually included in the entry fee.
Discounts are typically available for Indian citizens, students with valid IDs, and sometimes for group bookings. Check at the ticket counter for details.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Its unique feature is the walls covered with over 1,000 intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana, making it a visual narrative of the epic. It also served as the private temple for the Vijayanagara royal family.
Allocate about 1-1.5 hours to fully appreciate the carvings and architectural details of the temple and its immediate surroundings.
Dress modestly out of respect for the religious site. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
Yes, licensed guides are usually available at the Hampi site. Hiring a guide can significantly enhance your understanding of the temple's history and carvings.
The terrain around the temple is relatively easy, but some areas might have uneven surfaces. It's best to check accessibility details on-site or with local authorities.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the detailed Ramayana panels on the outer walls, the intricately carved pillars in the mandapa, and the overall structure within the Royal Enclosure. The golden hour light is particularly beautiful.
Photography is generally allowed within the temple complex, but always be respectful and avoid using flash directly on the ancient carvings.
A camera with good macro capabilities or a versatile zoom lens would be ideal for capturing the intricate details of the carvings. A wide-angle lens can help capture the temple's architecture within its setting.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical and archaeological sites like Hampi to preserve the monuments and ensure visitor safety. Always check local regulations.
Early morning and late afternoon provide the best natural light, creating soft shadows that highlight the texture and detail of the stone carvings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Mythology Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ramayana in Stone: Unpacking the Carvings
These detailed reliefs offer invaluable insights into the artistic prowess and storytelling techniques of the Vijayanagara period. They are not just religious depictions but also serve as a historical record, showcasing the cultural and spiritual significance of the Ramayana in the empire. Visitors can spend considerable time tracing the narrative, making it an engaging experience for history buffs and mythology enthusiasts alike.
Beyond the Ramayana, the temple also features panels illustrating royal processions, elephants, horses, and dancers, particularly in the pillared hall (mandapa). These add another layer to understanding the life and grandeur of the Vijayanagara royalty who frequented this temple as their private place of worship.
A Royal Sanctuary: Hazara Rama Temple's Place in the Empire
Built in the early 15th century, likely by Devaraya I, the temple was dedicated to Lord Rama, a central deity in Hindu tradition. Its relatively smaller size compared to grand public temples like Virupaksha or Vittala, combined with its ornate detailing, suggests an intimate and personal connection for the royal family. It was a space for contemplation and spiritual solace amidst the demands of ruling a vast empire.
Visiting the Hazara Rama Temple offers a tangible link to the lives of the Vijayanagara rulers. It provides a glimpse into their religious practices, their appreciation for art and architecture, and the importance of devotion in their lives. The well-preserved state of the temple further enhances this connection, allowing visitors to step back in time and imagine the royal court in its prime.
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