The Achyutaraya Temple was built in 1534 CE by Emperor Achyutaraya, who succeeded his brother Krishnadevaraya to the Vijayanagara throne. The temple was built during a period of political instability following Krishnadevaraya's death, and Achyutaraya's reign was marked by conflicts with the Bijapur Sultanate. The temple was under construction for approximately 30 years but was never completed — the devastating Battle of Talikota (1565 CE) ended the Vijayanagara Empire, and the temple was abandoned mid-construction.
The incomplete state of the temple provides archaeologists with valuable insights into Vijayanagara construction techniques. The temple has been maintained by the ASI since the early 20th century. Historical records indicate that the temple's construction was supervised by the emperor's chief minister, Salaga Rama, who was also responsible for several other building projects in Hampi during Achyutaraya's reign. The temple was originally designed to be the largest in Hampi's sacred centre, surpassing even the Vittala Temple in scale.
The construction progressed in phases: the foundation and platform work was completed first, followed by the sanctum and mandapa walls, with the gopuram and outer enclosures left to the final phase. The construction was halted at the stage when the main sanctum walls had been erected to full height and the mandapa pillars were being carved.
The fact that the temple was being built simultaneously with the Vittala Temple reflects the intense competition between the successors of Krishnadevaraya to leave their architectural mark on Hampi. After the battle of Talikota, the temple served as a military encampment for the victorious Deccan Sultanate forces, as evidenced by the presence of Islamic graffiti and modifications to some of the mandapa pillars.
The temple was also used as a quarry for building materials in the following centuries, with many of its carved stones being reused in local construction projects.
