Kanakachalapathi Temple, Kanakagiri

The Kanakachalapathi Temple is a 16th-century Vishnu temple in Kanakagiri, Gangavathi taluk, Koppal district. The town, called Swarnagiri or Hill of Gold in ancient times, is said to take its present name from the sage Kanaka Muni, who did penance here. The temple was built by a local Nayaka chieftain and is a Vijayanagara-era Dravidian monument protected by the ASI.

It is a large complex of spacious halls with massive yali pillars, entered through three well-made tiered gopuras. Its sculpture includes mythological figures in wood and on pilasters, and kings and queens carved in black stone. A local saying runs that people with eyes should see Kanakagiri and those with legs Hampi. A popular fair is held at the temple in February and March, in the month of Phalguna.