Sasive Kalu Ganesha, Hampi

Sasivekalu Ganesha temple is the large statue of lord Ganesha in Hampi. It is a monolithic statue which is carved out of a single rock. The statue is about 8 feet tall and can be seen in a half lotus position with four arms. 

In this statue, the right and left hand of lord Ganesha at the upper side holds a goad(Ankusha) and a broken tusk(elephant tooth). The top right hand holds a sweet and the left hand is portrayed with a noose (spiritual rope called yagnopavetham). 

Significance:

According to Hindu mythology, lord Ganesha once consumed a lot of food and the stomach was filled to the point of  bursting.  To prevent it from bursting he caught a snake and tied it around his stomach. This is why there is a snake tied around the Ganesha's stomach in  this statue.

There is inscription on the statue which dispays that this statue was founded in the memory of king Narasimha II, of the Vijayanagara Empire. 

How To Reach:

Hampi bus stand is just 500m away from the temple. You can reach the temple by walk easily from the bus stand.