Sri Trivikrama Temple is located in the Godabole Mala area in Vijayapura (Bijapur) city, Karnataka.This is a four hundred year old ancient temple. The original sanctum was built during the Adil Shahi Sultanate period, while the outer halls and mandapas were added later during the Peshwa period.
The main deity is Lord Trivikrama, the giant form of Lord Vishnu in his Vamana Avatar, the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
The two-foot-tall idol is made of Saligrama stone and shows Lord Trivikrama standing with his foot on King Mahabali.
Standing on either side of Lord Trivikrama are Jaya and Vijaya, the divine gatekeepers of Vaikuntha, shown in a respectful posture, guarding the Lord. Their presence is rare and spiritually significant, showing that Lord Trivikrama is worshipped here in his Vaikuntha form along with his eternal attendants, making this idol arrangement very sacred and unique.
The temple is built in the classic Chalukya–Vijayanagara style.
has a tall stone gopuram, spacious prakara (corridors), and a beautifully carved maha-mandapa.
The pillars have fine carvings of Vishnu, Garuda, Hanuman, and Dashavatara scenes. The sanctum is deep and powerful, creating a divine atmosphere.
During the rule of the Adil Shahi Sultans of Bijapur, this temple was built with a strong stone sanctum to protect the deity. Even during times when many temples were destroyed, this Trivikrama temple survived.
Later, the Peshwas added halls and courtyards for devotees to gather and worship. Because of this, the temple reflects both the Adil Shahi and Peshwa periods, making it a rare historical monument.
Long ago, King Mahabali, an Asura king, ruled the three worlds with great power. Although he was generous and devoted, his growing power worried the Devas. To restore balance, Lord Vishnu took the form of a small Brahmin boy called Vamana.
When Mahabali was performing a great yagna, Vamana came and asked for three steps of land. Mahabali, known for his charity, agreed without hesitation.
Vamana then transformed into the mighty Trivikrama. With his first step, he covered the entire earth. With his second step, he covered the heavens. There was no place left for the third step.
Mahabali then offered his own head for the third step. Lord Vishnu placed his foot on Mahabali’s head and sent him to Patala (the netherworld), blessing him for his humility and devotion.
The Trivikrama idol in this temple shows this exact divine moment, where Vishnu’s foot rests on Mahabali, symbolizing the victory of humility over ego.
Vamana Jayanti is the most important festival, celebrating the Trivikrama avatar of Lord Vishnu. The annual Brahmotsava includes special poojas and temple processions. Vaikuntha Ekadashi is observed for seeking moksha, while Krishna Janmashtami and Rama Navami celebrate the divine avatars of Vishnu. Ugadi and Deepavali are also marked with traditional prayers and lamps.
