Kadlekalu Ganesha Hampi

This giant statue of Ganesha (Elephant God) is carved out of a huge boulder and is found at the northeastern slope of the Hemakuta hill in Hampi. The belly of this statue resembles a Bengal gram (Kadalekalu, in local language) and hence the name Kadlekalu Ganesha.

This 4.5 meters (15 feet) tall monolithic statue is one among the largest sculptures in Hampi and dates back 15th century.

This seated Ganesha sculpture is four armed, and bears in each hand a tusk, goad, noose and a bowl of sweetmeats, respectively. its belly and the snout is destroyed by the invaders in late 15th century, they suspected it to hide jewels and gold inside. (see picture below)

The monolith is enshrined in a simple sanctum (below picture) with a vestibule and an open ornate pillared pavilion in front. The tall slender pillars are sculpted with depictions of various Hindu gods and goddesses and mythical themes. The pillared hall is a vantage point to survey the surroundings, especially the Hampi Bazaar and the foothills of Matanga Hill.

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