Ananthasayana Temple, Anantashayanagudi (Hosapete)

The temple is one of the largest single shrines of the Vijayanagara period. The archaeologist A. H. Longhurst, in his guide Hampi Ruins Described and Illustrated, called it one of the largest and loftiest shrines ever set up at Hampi, and described its roof as a marvel of engineering skill.

Its unusual long shape follows from the deity it was built for. Longhurst explains that an image of Vishnu lying full length on the coils of the serpent needs an oblong sanctum, because such an image is much longer than it is wide and cannot fit in the small square cella of an ordinary temple. The sanctum therefore contains a correspondingly long pedestal.

According to Longhurst, the great image for which the temple was built never reached it; it lies instead at Holalu, in the south-western corner of the Hadagalli taluk. He records a popular legend that the image agreed to follow its guide on condition that he never looked back, and that when the guide broke the condition the image stayed fixed at Holalu. Longhurst himself suggested that unrest within the empire or outside threats may simply have prevented the plan from being completed.

The temple is a protected monument within a World Heritage Site. Do not climb on or damage the brick and plaster surfaces, and follow instructions from ASI staff. No reliable source opened confirms current worship or opening hours; confirm them with the ASI Hampi circle or locally before visiting.

Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with Archaeological Survey of India before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.