Sasivekalu Ganesha

The Sasivekalu Ganesha is one of Hampi’s most iconic monolithic sculptures, standing at about 8 feet tall. The name “Sasivekalu” means “mustard seed” in Kannada, derived from the rounded shape of Ganesha’s belly. The idol represents Ganesha in a seated position with one leg bent and the other folded, sculpted with remarkable finesse from a single granite block.

Commissioned by a trader from Chandragiri in memory of King Narasimha II (Vijayanagara period, 1506 CE), this structure reflects both devotion and trade connections that once flourished in Hampi. Behind the statue is a rock pavilion (mandapa) providing partial protection and framing the deity against the open landscape.