Shree Badaviling Temple, Krishnapura, Hampi ( Karnataka )

Shree Badaviling Temple, Krishnapura, Hampi ( Karnataka )

A huge monolithic Shiva Linga inside a cella, built by the side of the Lakshmi-Narasimha Temple enclosure. The Shiva Linga has a three-eye mark drawn on it in line carving. The three-eye mark depicts the three eyes of Lord Shiva. It is believed that the temple has been in existence since the period of the Vijayanagara Empire.

This huge Linga, which is about 5 meters high, is locally called by the name Badaviling or Badavilinga. It is noteworthy that a channel that runs by the side of this shrine is diverted to enter the cella and thus this Linga is made to stand amidst water always. This Linga is situated inside a small stone chamber. There is a single opening in front of the chamber through which devotees can get in. An interesting thing to note about the design of the stone chamber is that it has no ceiling. During the daytime, sunlight enters through the opening in the ceiling and floods the Shiva Linga with light.

The name Badavilinga is a combination of two words – Badva and Linga. In the local language, Badva means poor and Linga represents Shiva. Legend has it that the Shiva Linga placed inside the temple was commissioned by a poverty-stricken peasant woman. Hence the temple came to be known as Badavilinga Temple.

References :

1. Hampi - The Splendour That Was ( Dr. M.S. Krishna Murthy, Dr. R. Gopal )

2. Hampi Vijayanagara ( John M Fritz & George Michell )

2. Badavilinga Temple, Hampi – A Shrine for Shiva ( https://www.karnataka.com/hampi/badavilinga-temple/ )

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