Matanga Tank and Shrines are beautiful architectural wonders located in the complex of the Kangiri Gopura temple in Hampi. Located in the northern region of the temple is a pavement with the Matanga tank and a series of small shrines. The daily water needs of the temple are met through this tank. The steps around the tank are made of stone blocks in the form of a rectangle, which have red vertical strips. Going by the tradition, devotees take a bath in the tank before entering the temple for worshiping the deity. Tungabhadra river located near the temple is the other place where many a devotee take a bath before coming to the temple. The fenced tank has its entrance at its western side.
Dating back to the 8th century, the small shrines are located along the northern edge of the tank. Steeped in excellent architectural beauty, most of these shrines are not functioning as temples. However, the shrine dedicated to goddess Durga is still under worship. Built in pink sandstone, the shrine houses a beautiful idol of goddess Durga with eight arms.
Beautiful carvings on the walls of the shrines deserve mention. There is also an inscription slab displaying the records of the offering made to the temple by the kings of the bygone era.