Pattambhirama Temple is one of the well known shrines which is dedicated to Lord Rama. Located among the ruins of Hampi in Karnataka this temple is one the oldest shrines in India which reflect the exemplary architecture of the Vijayanagara rulers. Along with other temples like the temples of Viruprakasha and Vitthala , this was another temple which was built by the early rulers of Hampi. This temple is considered as a major tourist spot in Hampi. The tourist who visit the shrine are mainly attracted to the architecture of the temple which includes a well designed gopuram, statues made up of stone and a mandapa which are the main features of every temple in south India.
Pattambhirama Temple is mainly notable for its size and completeness. While the temple is dedicated to Lord Rama who is the presiding deity of the temple, it at the same time includes the shrines of other gods and goddesses who are placed in the compound of the temple. The main temple includes a large marriage hall which is built up of a number of pillars which depict the typical temple architecture of Vijayanagara . The pillars located inside the temple are relatively simpler than the outside ones. The pillars around the marriage halls are well decorated with fine sculptures of Yali images. The whole temple was covered with Granite slab which gave a different look to the temple. Some of its relics are found in the north eastern part of the temple.
Pattambhirama Temple further includes a tall tower which is located on the eastern end of the temple. This opens the way to the sacred tank which is accessible through streets. To see the pond one has to walk through the streets. The main tower of the temple is made up of bricks and granite which form the superstructure. While the upper portion of the tower was decorated with terracotta images the lower portion was made up of granite.
Along with this the Pattambhirama Temple is closely located near the museum of Archaeological survey of India. One can visit the museum through roads which passes through package villages and gardens. It also includes a tiny entrance into the compound of the temple which is marked with a sign board. Unlike busy tourist spots this place is not overcrowded with buses and visitors. The reason is its location which is a bit off track from the main centers of tourism. This temple, like other major temples of Hampi , had been a centre of town ship. As such the Pattambhirama Temple was at the centre of the township called Varadadevi Ammana pette. The town ship was ruled by the Tuluva dynasty king Achutya Raya who named the township after his wife queen Varadadevi.
Thus as one of the ancient sights of Hampi it is included among the major tourist spots of Karnataka. This is mainly known for the massive pillar structures which are an eminent part of traditional Vijayanagara style of architecture.
