Sasivekalu Ganesha temple in Hampi is a giant statue of Lord Ganesha. It is amongst the famous attractions of Hampi. It is an 8 feet tall statue of single solid rock block. The statue is located in Hemakuta Hill’s southern foothills. The temple is built in the form of open pavilion and the statue is built out of hard rock. There are rough pillars around it. Ganesha’s belly resembles mustard seed and therefore he is known as “Sasivekalu” (or mustard seed) Ganesh. There is also a snake tied in reference to a mythological inside around the belly of Ganesha.

Like the other religious temples in Hampi, the Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple also has a history that dates back to 16th century. As per the inscriptions that were found near Ganesha statue, the open pavilion was built during 1506 AD. A merchant who was from Chandragiri constructed the temple in the memory of Narasimha II king of Vijayanagara.

The statue has 4 hands. There is a goad in the right hands with broken tusk and in the left hands; he is holding a sweet ball (Modak) and pasha (noose). Modak is considered the favorite food of Ganesha.

Sasivekalu Ganesha temple in Hampi is open throughout the week from 6 am to 6 pm. There is no entrance fee inside the temple. The best time to visit the temple is from October to the month of February. The location of Sasivekalu temple is easily accessible from various parts of the country. The temple is located at a walking distance from the bus stand of Hampi. There is no railway station at Hampi but there is a nearest railway station atHospet. There are other transport means that has connectivity to Hampi.