Kadalekalu & Sasivekalu Ganesha, Hampi: Two Ganpati Monoliths

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Shree Kadalekalu and Sasivekalu Ganesha, Hampi

Hampi, Karnataka

Quick Answer
Hampi in Karnataka has two large monolithic Ganesha statues, Kadalekalu Ganesha and Sasivekalu Ganesha, both carved during the Vijayanagara period within the ancient region known as Kishkindha Kshetra.
At a Glance
DeityTwo monolithic Ganesha statues, Kadalekalu Ganesha (over 4 metres) and Sasivekalu Ganesha
LocationHampi, Karnataka
Built / Origin16th century CE, Vijayanagara Empire
TimingsGenerally open daily from sunrise to sunset, around 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, as these are open-air monuments maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Entry FeeKadalekalu Ganesha and Sasivekalu Ganesha are typically free to view as standalone monuments; if visited as part of the larger Hampi monument ticketed zone, standard ASI entry fees may apply, so check current signage locally.
VIP / Special DarshanNot applicable, as these are heritage monuments rather than an active daily-worship temple with a queue system.
Nearest AirportHubballi Airport (about 165 km) or Vijayawada/Bellary regional airports; Hyderabad and Bengaluru are the nearest major airports for long-distance flights, both several hours away by road.
Nearest Railway StationHospet Junction railway station, about 13 kilometres from Hampi.

About This Temple

Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is also identified in Hindu tradition as Kishkindha, the ancient kingdom described in the Ramayana.

History and Puranic Background

Both statues were carved during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire in the sixteenth century. Kadalekalu Ganesha, standing over four metres tall, gets its name because the shape of the idol's belly resembles a Bengal gram seed, called kadale kalu in Kannada. Sasivekalu Ganesha, a smaller seated statue near Hemakuta hill, is named for its belly resembling a mustard seed, sasive kalu in Kannada.

[Image needed: Sasivekalu Ganesha statue near Hemakuta hill]
Suggested alt text: "Shree Kadalekalu and Sasivekalu Ganesha, Hampi Sasivekalu Ganesha statue near Hemakuta hill"

The wider Hampi region has long been sacred in Hindu tradition as Kishkindha, the forest kingdom of Vanaras described in the Ramayana, where Lord Rama met Hanuman and Sugriva. The Puranic literature associated with this region, including sections describing Pampa Kshetra found within the Skanda Purana tradition, honours the site as the place where Goddess Parvati, in her form as Pampa, performed penance to marry Lord Shiva, who is worshipped nearby as Virupaksha.

The two Ganesha statues at Hampi stand as guardians within this larger sacred landscape, watching over the approach to the Virupaksha temple and the surrounding hills, in keeping with the widespread Puranic custom of placing Ganesha shrines at the entrance points of sacred cities and temple complexes.

Sacred Sloka

वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटिसमप्रभ । निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ॥

Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha, Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada.

Meaning: O Lord with the curved trunk and mighty body, whose light equals a crore of suns, kindly make all my undertakings free of obstacles, always.

Source: A traditional invocation verse from the Ganesha Purana tradition, recited before starting any auspicious task. It is one of the most widely known Ganesha slokas in India.

Why Devotees Visit

Both statues are major stops on the Hampi heritage circuit and are appreciated as much for their sculptural scale as for their devotional value.

How to Reach

By Air: Hubballi Airport (about 165 km) or Vijayawada/Bellary regional airports; Hyderabad and Bengaluru are the nearest major airports for long-distance flights, both several hours away by road.

By Train: Hospet Junction railway station, about 13 kilometres from Hampi.

By Road: Well connected by road from Hospet, with autos, taxis and bicycles commonly used to get around the Hampi heritage zone.

Pooja and Rituals

  • These are heritage monuments rather than centres of daily ritual worship; visitors typically offer respects informally rather than through a scheduled pooja
  • Nearby Virupaksha Temple, an active Shiva temple, follows its own regular daily pooja schedule for those seeking ritual worship in the same complex

VIP Darshan

VIP darshan does not apply here in the usual sense, since these are heritage monuments looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India rather than an active temple running a daily worship queue.

Travel Tips

  • Hampi is about 13 kilometres from Hospet, the nearest railway station.
  • Both statues are outdoors with some walking involved, comfortable footwear and a hat are useful in the Hampi heat.
  • Combine with the Virupaksha temple and Hemakuta hill viewpoint on the same visit.

Live Darshan

As these are open-air heritage monuments rather than active daily-worship temples, there is no live darshan video stream. In the meantime, here is a walkthrough video of the Kadalekalu and Sasivekalu Ganesha statues:

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the visiting hours for the Hampi Ganesha statues?

Both statues are generally accessible from sunrise to sunset, around 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, as open-air heritage monuments.

How do I reach the Hampi Ganesha statues?

The nearest railway station is Hospet Junction, about 13 kilometres away, from where autos and taxis run into the Hampi heritage zone.

Why are the statues named Kadalekalu and Sasivekalu?

Kadalekalu Ganesha is named for its belly resembling a Bengal gram seed (kadale kalu), while Sasivekalu Ganesha is named for a belly shaped like a mustard seed (sasive kalu) in Kannada.

Is there an entry fee to see the Ganesha statues at Hampi?

The statues themselves are generally free to view; if combined with other ticketed Hampi monuments, standard entry fees may apply, so check locally.

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