Musafir

Lakshmi Narasimha: This magnificent monolithic Lakshmi Narasimha, the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, stands at a height of 6.7mts.. It is one of the finest examples of Vijayanagara sculpture. Narasimha is seated on the giant coil of Adishesha, the sacred guardian snake of Lord Vishnu, its seven hoods acting as a canopy, arched by a Kirtimukha torana in front.

The roof of the chamber enshrining the statue is missing, which had led to much weathering and damage to this monolithic sculpture. The four arms of the statue with its various attributes, have been broken, and the seated figure of his consort, Lakshmi, on his left lap, is missing. The face too has been damaged, which misled people in believing that it was the Ugranarasimha or angered Narasimha. The presence of the right hand of the goddess, embracing the Lord at the back, is the proof of it being Lakshmi Narasimha.

The statue, was consecrated by priest Krishnabhatta on the behest of Krishnadevaraya in 1528 A.D., as  per the lithic record nearby.

Badavilinga Temple: This 3 mts. high, large Sivalinga is also a monolith similar to Lakshmi Narasimha carved out of one rock in situ, the pedestal remains in a bed of water, within a small damaged shrine. Referred to as the Badavilinga, legend has it, that it was commissioned by a poor woman.

The Siva Linga as a fairly large pedestal(yoni pitha), drawing into a pranala (outlet). The central median line (somasutra) has the three-eye mark, drawn in line carving. The sanctum chamber that houses it, is a large stone, brick and mortal structure.

The water that is passed in to the shrine comes directly from the Tungabhadra river through small canals and aqueducts. Locals believe that if you throw a coin towards the Idol and wish for something, your wish will be fulfilled if the coin lands on the head of the Wish

From here, we move on to the Chandikeswara Temple.