Hampi Ramayana Trail

be mesmerized with a spell from ancient timeS

Intricately carved Hanuman statue surrounded by lit oil lamps.

Step into the Land of divine secrets where ancient legends of Hampi and epic tales from the Ramayana come alive!!!

The region around Hampi is not only rich in history but is also closely associated with the Hindu Epic Ramayana. Lord Rama and Lakshmana, during their journey southward in search of Sita, reach Hampi. Here, they encounter Hanuman, the general of the monkey king, who brings them to Sugreeva. Sugreeva eventually leads them to a cave where they discover a set of jewels. Rama recognizes these jewels as belonging to his wife Sita. Sugreeva explains that Sita dropped them at this sacred site in Hampi when the demon king Ravana of Lanka abducted her on his flying chariot. Later, Rama confronts Vali, the impulsive brother of Sugreeva, and installs Sugreeva as the undisputed king of the monkey kingdom. During the monsoon, Rama and Lakshmana take refuge at a nearby hill called Malyavanta. Hanuman returns with the news that Sita was indeed held captive by Ravana. He then offers Rama the assistance of his monkey army to construct a bridge and prepare for the epic battle against Ravana. The story unfolds as they strive to save Sita from Lanka and beyond.

Walk the path of Lord Rama on this spiritual journey to explore the enchanting sacred sites of Hampi.

A monkey sitting alone on a rocky hill overlooking a village at sunset.

Kishkinda

Kishkinda, the mythical vanara kingdom of the monkey kings Vali and Sugriva, is one of the revered sacred sites in Hampi. This significant location is considered sacred as it bears the footprint of Rama, one of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, and is steeped in ancient legends of Hampi.

A temple complex atop large rocky cliffs with winding stairways.

Anjanadri Hill

Located across the river Tungabhadra in Kishkinda, Anegundi is considered the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, a significant figure in ancient legends Hampi. This sacred site Hampi attracts many visitors seeking to explore its rich cultural heritage.

Entrance of a white stone structure with a red door frame and a person inside.

Shabari Ashram

Shabari’s Ashram, a significant site among the ancient legends of Hampi, is located near Pampa Sarovar. This is where Shabari, the devoted follower of Lord Ram, lived and performed her tapas. It is the very spot where she offered berries to Lord Ramacandra and Laxmana. When Lord Rama learned of Sita's kidnapping, Shabari advised him to ally with Sugriva, the exiled king of Kishkinda, to reclaim his kingdom and enlist the help of Sugriva's monkey army in the search for Sita. This sacred site in Hampi continues to attract devotees and historians alike.

A large pond surrounded by trees and rocky hills with people seated along the edge.

Pampa Sarovara

A lake in Kishkinda, where ancient legends Hampi speak of Lord Rama and Lakshmana meeting Shabari. Pampa Sarovara is also where Lord Rama sought the goddess's protection, making it one of the revered sacred sites Hampi.

Intricately carved ancient temple with detailed stone pillars and sculptures.

Hazara Rama Temple

This temple for Lord Rama is popularly called Hazara Rama Temple due to the large number of ancient legends Hampi intricately carved on its walls. Incidents from the Ramayana, such as Dasaratha performing a sacrifice to beget sons, the birth of Rama, his exile into the forest, the abduction of Sita, and the ultimate fight between Rama and Ravana, are all depicted in vivid detail. These panels showcase the story of Rama and highlight the triumph of good over evil, making it one of the most revered sacred sites Hampi.

Ancient stone carvings resembling Shiva Lingams embedded in rocky terrain.

Chakratirtha

Legend has it that on some special occasions and auspicious days, the swirl in the river forms images of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana, a tale that reflects the ancient legends of Hampi. These stories are part of the rich tapestry of sacred sites in Hampi, drawing visitors to experience their spiritual significance.

A rocky hill with scattered greenery beside a calm water body under a clear sky.

Rishimukha Hill

Hill were Sugriva took shelter and lived for several years when banished by his elder brother Vali from his kingdom Kishkhinda. This site is rich in ancient legends of Hampi and is also where Hanuman met Lord Rama and Lakshmana, making it one of the sacred sites in Hampi.

Ancient rock formation with white markings and inscriptions under clear sky.

SUGRIVA CAVE

Located near the river, this site is associated with ancient legends of Hampi, as it is believed to be the cave where Sugreeva hid Sita’s jewels. Nearby, a heap of ash hill at a village is thought to be the pyre of Vali, making it one of the sacred sites in Hampi.

Ancient stone carving of a meditative figure within a Star of David.

yantrodharaka hanuman temple

It was said that every day, Sri Vyasaraja used to draw a picture of Lord Hanuman on the rocks before he offered his prayers, a practice rooted in the ancient legends of Hampi. Interestingly, the picture would disappear right after his rituals were completed. This phenomenon occurred for 12 consecutive days, until the Guru pleaded with the Lord to appear before him. Finally, on the 12th day, Lord Hanuman appeared and blessed him. It is believed that the Lord himself instructed Sri Vyasaraja to first constrain him within a hexagonal or 6-angled amulet and then install him in that sacred site in Hampi.

A rocky hill with large reddish boulders and green vegetation.

Matanga Hill

Named after the sage Matanga, who is a prominent figure in the ancient legends of Hampi, he protected Sugriva after his banishment by his brother Vali and guided Shabari. This site is one of the sacred sites in Hampi that draws visitors for its rich history and significance.

A priest sitting beside two decorated Hindu deity statues in a temple.

kodandarama temple

Located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, this sacred site in Hampi features large idols of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, marking the spot where Lord Rama crowned Sugreeva as the King of Kishkhinda, steeped in the ancient legends of Hampi.

Ancient temple entrance with intricate carvings set against rocky hills and greenery.

SHRI MALYAVANTA RAGHUNATHA TEMPLE

According to the ancient legends of Hampi, Lord Rama and Lakshmana took shelter for four months during the monsoon before marching towards Lanka to rescue Sita. There is a water source said to be created by Lakshmana with his arrow, highlighting one of the sacred sites in Hampi. This site is one of the few active temples in Hampi, with the continuous chanting of Rama Charita Manas occurring from dawn till dusk.

Malyavanta Hill Google Location

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Ancient temple tower with stone structures and palm trees under a blue sky.

Pattabhirama Temple

Dedicated to Lord Rama, the Pattabhirama Temple, known as Rama the Coronated One, is one of the sacred sites in Hampi, steeped in ancient legends that celebrate its rich history.

A temple with golden and white structures surrounded by lush greenery and hills.

Jambunatha Temple

It is believed to be the spot where Jambavanta, the bear king from the Ramayana, performed penance, adding to the rich tapestry of ancient legends Hampi that surround this sacred site.

Ancient Indian mural depicting deities and mythological scenes with intricate details.

RAMAYANA PAINTINGS AT VIRUPAKSHA TEMPLE

The 14th–16th century Vijayanagara-era mural paintings on the ceiling of the Hampi Virupaksha Temple vividly depict scenes from the Ramayana, illustrating ancient legends Hampi that have been passed down through generations. This temple is one of the most significant sacred sites Hampi, attracting visitors who seek to explore its rich cultural heritage.

Stone steps leading out from a dim cave to daylight.

Vali CavE

The legendary cave, believed to be the dwelling of Vali, the Vanara king from the Ramayana, symbolizes Anegundi's deep mythological roots and is one of the ancient legends of Hampi. It stands as a testament to the sacred sites in Hampi that reflect the region's rich cultural heritage.

A majestic warrior monkey in golden armor confronts a fierce, enraged bull in a dynamic forest battle scene.

Battle of Vali and Dundubhi

The spot where Vali killed the demon Dundubhi in Hampi, a place rich in ancient legends Hampi, is near Matanga Hill, often associated with the sacred sites Hampi like the area near the Virupaksha Temple or leading towards the Tungabhadra river. Vali threw the demon's carcass a distance of one yojana, with blood falling onto Sage Matanga Muni's ashram, causing the curse on Vali.