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
7th 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
