Hazara Rama Temple

Hazara Rama Temple was the private shrine of the Vijayanagara kings in Hampi, dedicated to Rama and begun in the early 15th century under Devaraya II. Its name means 'a thousand Ramas', after the many carved images of him on the walls. It started as a plain building with a sanctum, a pillared hall and an ardhamandapa, and later gained an open porch, two gateways and smaller shrines.

It is known for the Ramayana reliefs on the ardhamandapa walls and along the passage round the sanctum, from Dasharatha's sacrifice for sons and the sacred food shared among his queens to Rama breaking the bow for Sita, Hanuman finding her in Ashokavana and the war with Ravana. Four carved pillars inside show forms of Vishnu. The outer wall has bands of horses, elephants, soldiers and dancers at the Dasara festival, with scenes of Rama and Krishna.