A must-visit temple of Hampi, Badavilinga Temple is a wonderful temple where Lord Shiva is worshiped in the form of a Linga. In fact, the temple houses the largest monolithic Shivalinga in Hampi. Devotees come here from far and wide throughout the year to worship the lord. The temple is located near the Narasimha statue. The linga was consecrated in the main shrine by a peasant woman. Locally the word 'Badva' means poor and hence the temple got its name from it. 

Three beautiful eyes have been carved on the linga, which are noticeable from close quarter. These eyes depict the three eyes of lord Shiva. The term 'Shiva' means 'auspicious' and linga means a 'sigh' or a 'symbol'. Hence, Shivalinga represents a 'symbol of the great God of the universe who is auspicious'.  The main shrine always remain filled with water as a water channel is made to flow through it. There is no entry fee for entering the temple. One is also allowed to click photographs of the temple.

In any Shiva temple you go, you will always find a pot filled with water hanging over the linga. According to Hindu mythology, the sacred river Ganga descended from heaven to earth to rid people of their sufferings resulting from drought. But the flow of the water of the river was so forceful that if allowed to fall directly on the earth it would have destroyed the earth. To save and help human beings, Lord Shiva agreed to take the impact on him by allowing the river flow through his matted hair before reaching the earth. And the water drops falling from a pot of water, which is hung over the linga in the temples symbolizes this.