One of Hampi’s most popular attractions is the giant monolithic statue of Lord Ganesha is situated at the foothills of Hemakuta Hill, Hampi, Bellary District, Karnataka. Lord Ganesh statue is 8 feet tall in a seated posture with a snake around his belly. Locals say the Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple resembles a mustard seed or Lord Ganesha’s belly. This temple is recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The name Sasivekalu means mustard seed in Kannada.
The Entry is Free and Photography is Allowed. Do carry a water bottle and snack as there are no shops nearby the temple. This is the second-largest monolithic statue of Ganesha in Hampi City.
The Ganesha is seen in a half-lotus position with four arms. The right hand and the left hand at the top hold a stinger and a broken tusk. The upper right hand of the statue holds a modak, the left hand is represented with a noose. A large mandapa covers the statue atop a rough wall covering pillars around it. The archaeological service has installed a huge map of the site which includes the location of the place and the history of the statue.
Saasivekaalu Ganesha Temple Timings: 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM
Sasivekalu Ganesh Temple History:
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha is a deity who is very fond of food. It is said that once Ganesha ate so much food that his stomach was about to burst. Finding no other option to save his belly, Ganesha grabbed a snake and tied it around her belly like a belt to keep it from bursting. The statue of Sasivekalu Ganesha has a serpent tied around the belly in reference to this mythological incident.
Sasivekalu Ganesha temple was built in 1506 AD and the statue was erected in memory of King Narasimha II, of the Vijayanagara empire, as per the inscription on it.
Sasivekalu Ganesh Temple Address:
Hampi,
Bellary District,
Karnataka – 583239.