Virupaksha Temple – It Is One Of The 7th Century Oldest And Primary Temple In Hampi

VIRUPAKSHA TEMPLE

AT

HAMPI

Virupaksha temple is located in Hampi of Bellary district of Karnataka state of India and it is a magnificent marvel of Vijayanagara Empire. Dedicated to Lord Shiva (Virupaksha), and situated on the banks of the beautiful river, Tungabhadra, the temple is extensively famous for its tall gopuram, grand architecture and intricate carvings.

The temple, built in the 7^th century underwent a lot of additions by various rulers that ruled the kingdom, to display their power. The central pillared hall, Ranga Mandapa, is the most ornate addition by Raja Krishnadevaraya. Virupaksha temple is a centre of marriages as well as the festivities of Virupaksha-Pampa in December. This South Indian Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This area in general has been an important pilgrimage centre for the worshipers of lord Shiva. Virupaksha temple is equally sort after by the tourists and pilgrims. The annual festivals attract huge crowds of both the types.

The very origin of Hampis history as a sacred place revolves around the myths associated with this temple. It believed that this temple has been functioning uninterruptedly ever since its inception in the 7th century AD.That makes this one of the oldest functioning temples in India.

The main temple is east facing and has two large courtyards, one leading to the other. You directly enter into the first courtyard through the tower mentioned above. This courtyard mainly houses a pillared hall called 100-column hall at the far left corner.

The sanctum contains the idol of lord Virupaksha in the form of a Linga (A phallus image). A corridor surrounds the sanctum.
The two narrow porches on either sides of the inner hall can be used to get in and out of the main shrine.

The most important of the sub shrines are that of Goddess Pampa and Bhuvaneswari, consorts of lord Shiva, towards the north of the main shrine. These shrines are in fact much older than the rest of the grandiose structures in the compound.

You can witness the daily temple rituals and ceremonies in the mornings and evenings. Temple opens before the sunrise and closes in the night. Usually the sanctum is closed in the noon. So entry into the campus may not be possible at that point of time.

The chariot festival in the month of February is the chief annual festival celebrated here. The divine marriage between Virupaksheshwara and Pampa is celebrated in the month of December.

By Air

The nearest airport to Virupaksha Temple is bellary airport , bellary which is 54 km away from Virupaksha Temple.

By Train

The nearest railway station to virupaksha temple is Hospet Railway Station which is 9 km away from Virupaksha Temple. 

ByBus

Karnataka government buses are plying regularaly to the temple