Rushyamukha Hill

Step into the world of the Ramayana at Rushyamukha Hill, the legendary location where Rama and Sugriva formed their crucial alliance. Explore ancient caves, a historic temple, and soak in the epic tales that echo through this scenic landscape.

Rushyamukha Hill is located in Gangavathi Taluk, about 4 kilometers west of Anegundi. It lies in the middle of the Tungabhadra river region, with its western part known as Virupapura Island and its eastern end referred to as Rushyamukha Hill. This hill is mentioned in the epic Ramayana. When Rama and Lakshmana were searching for Sita near Kishkindha, they were captured by the demon Kabandha. However, they cut off his arms and freed him from his curse. Grateful for their help, Kabandha advised them to seek the support of Sugriva and Hanuman in their search for Sita. He directed them to Rushyamukha Hill, where Sugriva was hiding. Following Kabandha’s guidance, Rama and Lakshmana reached Rushyamukha Hill and met Sugriva. They formed an alliance, Rama would help Sugriva reclaim his wife and kingdom from Vali and in return, Sugriva would assist Rama in finding Sita. This significant event from the Ramayana took place at Rushyamukha Hill. The hill is home to several natural caves. An inscription from 1148 CE found in Shirasangi, Belagavi district, mentions that Rushyasringa’s ashram was located near the Kishkindha Hill of the Belavala region of Kuntala Desha. The inscription also states that several sages, including Vali, Maruts, Angada, Dinesha, Matanga, Hamsa, Kapila, Sharnga, Agastya and Rushyasringa, the son of Vibhandaka lived there. One popular legend recounts how Vali killed the demon Dundubhi and threw his severed head. It landed in Sage Matanga’s ashram on Rushyamukha Hill, angering the sage. In his wrath, Matanga cursed Vali, declaring that if Vali ever set foot on Rushyamukha Hill, he would die. Due to this curse, Vali avoided the hill, making it a safe refuge for Sugriva and Hanuman. When Rama and Lakshmana arrived at Rushyamukha Hill, they formed the famous alliance with Sugriva, marking the beginning of Rama’s battle against Vali and the search for Sita. Rushyamukha Hill is also home to the Chandramouleshwara Temple, built during the Vijayanagara period. Constructed in the Sangama era, the temple features a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), an Antarala (vestibule), a Sabhamantapa (assembly hall) and a Mukhamantapa (entrance hall) on the southern side. Uniquely, the temple’s entrance faces Hampi, located to the south. The massive pillars of the Sabhamantapa stand out due to their impressive size. The Shikhara (tower) above the sanctum follows the Dravidian architectural style. Though the temple is now in ruins, it once held prominence equal to the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi. During the Virupaksha Temple festival, the ChandramouleshwaraRathotsava (chariot festival) was celebrated alongside the VirupakshaRathotsava, a tradition that continues to this day. From Rushyamukha Hill, one can see the remnants of the elevated canal pillars that once carried water to the Vittala Temple complex in Hampi. Additionally, visitors can take a boat ride from here to reach the famous Koti Lingas, a site in the middle of the river that houses thousands of Shiva lingas.