File:071017 Vitthala temple complex aerial view, Hampi Karnataka.jpg

English: Hampi UNESCO world heritage site

Situated northeast of Hampi, the Vittala Temple (also spelled Vithala, Vitthala and Vijaya Vitthala temple) is one of the principal monuments complex of the UNESCO world heritage site of Hampi. It is dedicated to Vittala (Vithoba), an aspect of Vishnu worshipped in the Deccan region, particularly the Maratha region. In the front of the temple is the famous stone chariot or ratha. This chariot is itself a miniature temple for Garuda. It is carved out of a single rock, to resemble the rathas in which temple idols are traditionally taken out in procession.

The complex consists of six notable shrines, a pushkarini, gopura, the chariot shrine, and other structures. The shrines include the Vitthala temple, the Ramanuja temple and four smaller shrines for the Alvars. Of these the Vitthala is the largest and most sophisticated Hindu temple. It is particularly famous for its numerous musical pillars, each group designed to emit musical notes of a different type of instrument in Indian classical music when skillfully struck. The temples complex is the venue of the annual Purandaradasa festival.