Yantrodharaka Anjaneya Temple, Hampi, Karnataka.

This temple dedicated to pawanputra Hanuman, near the banks of Tungabhadra river was built by dwaita philosopher and rajguru of the Vijayanagar empire, Sri Vyasaraja around 500 years ago.

जय जय बजरंग बलि II

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Solely dedicated to lord Hanuman, he presides in the temple in a meditative state rather than a valorous one (common feature in most temples dedicated to lord Hanuman) making it unique amongst Hanuman temples.(1)

It's regarded, the venue of this temple is where lord Rama and Hanuman met for the first time. It is also believed that Sri Vyasaraja used to draw a picture of lord Hanuman here on the rocks before offering prayers using charcoal and the sketch disappeared after prayers.(2)

This incidence happened for 12 days in a row until he pleaded to lord to appear in front of him. On the 12th day, lord Hanuman appeared in front of Sri Vyasaraja and blessed him. Lord asked Sri Vyasaraja to constrain him in a hexagonal amulet and install him in that place.(3)

Within the inner sanctum, the idol is circled with a hexagonal amulet (called Yantra hence the name). Lord Hanuman is surrounded by 12 vanaras, illustrating 12 days of prayer. Each vaanar is holding the tail of the next while facing opposite to the lord.(4)

The shrine is located on top of a small hillock. The outer walls are painted with white and saffron vertical strips. A flight of steps ends in front of the temple courtyard. In the courtyard a number of snake stones are installed around the foot of a large sacred fig tree.(5)

These carved stones, most of them with serpent themes, are used for snake worship. The narrow door of the shrine gives access to the main hall in front of the inner sanctum.(6)