History

The Kadalekalu Ganesha temple is situated on the slope of the Hemakuta Hill in Hampi, Karnataka. Interesting fact about the idol of Ganesha is its name. The belly of this statue resembles a Bengal gram and hence the name. which is called Kadalekalu in the local language, the statue is named as per it. The Ganesha statue is unique in the sense it is about 5.6 meters long and carved entirely from granite. There is an added attraction to the statue although very few people will notice it. After entering the Garva-griha, go to the backside of the statue. It is very dark, remember to take a torch. Point the light to the statues backbone and you’ll see a giant disembodied hand supporting the Ganesha. The hand is that of Goddess Parvati, who is the temple. In asthetic terms, the craftsman depicts a huge Ganesha sitting on the lap of her mother who is also supporting his back. The clever craftsman never carved that huge Parvati but left it to the beholder’s imagination to imagine her size and greatness. Truely a wonderful structure.