Exploring the Sacred Heritage: Virupaksha Temple

Table of Contents

History of Virupaksha temple
Significance of Virupaksha temple
Speciality of Virupaksha temple
Benefits of visiting Virupaksha temple
Location of the temple
Darshan Timings of the temple/ Tips before visiting the temple
Special festivals celebrated at Virupaksha temple
How to reach the Temple

Virupaksha Temple

The Virupaksha temple, Hampi is dedicated to Lord Shiva, built by Lakkana Dandesha, a nayaka (chieftain) of the ruler, Paruda Deva Raya during the Vijayanagara rule. It is also otherwise known as the Pampapathi temple and is a surviving structure amidst the ruins of Hampi. It is the oldest temple in Hampi and is flocked by pilgrims and tourists. It is different from the Prasanna Virupaksha Temple or the underground Shiva temple in Hampi.

History of Virupaksha Temple

Virupaksha temple, Hampi’s history is incessant from about the 7th century. Virupaksha-Pampa retreat has been existent for a very long time. Inscriptions associated with Lord Shiva date back to the 9th and 10th centuries. The Vijayanagara emperors added a large temple complex to what began as a humble structure. The Chalukyan and Hoysala emperors also have a hand in contributing to the temple. The paintings on the ceilings of the temple date back to the fourteenth and sixteenth century. Major renovation and restoration work, including the broken towers of the north and east gopura were undertaken at the break of the 19th century.

Significance of Virupaksha Temple

The Virupaksha Temple holds immense significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important temples of the Vijayanagara Empire. With a history dating back to the 7th century, it is one of the oldest functioning temples in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Virupaksha, meaning “the one with oblique eyes,” because the temple played a pivotal role in the history of the Vijayanagara Empire, serving as its main temple and religious centre in the city of Hampi. The vast temple complex includes smaller shrines and structures, showcasing a blend of architectural styles such as Dravidian and Vijayanagara.

Speciality of Virupaksha Temple

Virupaksha Temple is one of the oldest structures in the area of Hampi. It is said that this temple, believed to have been built in the 7th century, was once a humble structure dedicated to Lord Shiva. Under the Vijayanagara rule, it was constructed to achieve epic proportions. Today, the main shrine is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, an incarnation of Lord Shiva and the 49-m-high (approximately) tower or gopuram of the temple is said to have been constructed in 1442. Dominating Hampi's skyline, the towering gopuram is a distinct landmark in Hampi, as are the stucco figures around the temple's exterior.

Hampi's only continuously functioning temple, it includes a sanctum sanctorum, pillared halls – the most elaborate one consisting of 100 pillars - antechambers, grand gopurams and a number of smaller shrines, along with a temple kitchen and administrative offices. The main gateway boasts elaborate nine tiers and the smaller gateway gives access to the temple’s inner courtyard. The three-headed statue of Lord Shiva's sacred mount, the Nandi bull, is a major tourist draw. In December, when the temple celebrates the marriage of its presiding deity to his consort Goddess Pampa, it draws thousands of devotees. Another popular time to visit the temple is February, when the annual chariot festival is celebrated.

Why must one visit Virupaksha Temple?

1. Virupaksha Temple is the oldest and most important temple in the Hampi town of Vijayanagara district in Karnataka (India). It is the only temple of its kind in Hampi where the worship is continuing.

2. Virupaksha temple sits on the southern bank of the sacred Tungabhadra river where it appears to be a precious gem glorifying the river.

3. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Virupaksha or Pampapathi, which translates to “Lord of the Pampa River.” The temple is considered one of the most sacred Shiva temples in South India.

4. The Virupaksha Temple of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not just a place of worship; it’s a testament to the vibrant history and artistry of the Vijayanagara Empire.

5. The temple complex houses several inscriptions, sculptures, and artefacts that provide valuable insights into the history and culture of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Location of the Temple

Virupaksha Temple is located in Hampi in the Vijayanagara district of Karnataka, India. It is part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Timings

The Virupaksha Temple is open to tourists from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm in the morning and again from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, following four hours.

Best time to visit Virupaksha Temple

The best time of the year for visiting the Virupaksha temple falls between October and March. Except for the middle of the afternoon, the temperature is still usually pleasant for touring this temple.

Tips before visiting Virupaksha Temple

- Footwear is not allowed inside the temple. If you feel uncomfortable with walking without slippers, slip on a clean pair of socks.

-Photography of the idols inside the sanctums is not allowed.

Special Festivals celebrated in Virupaksha Temple

1. The Virupaksha Temple is renowned for its annual festival, the Virupaksha Car Festival, celebrated in January or February. Hence this grand event attracts a multitude of devotees and tourists, who participate in processions, cultural performances, and music concerts. Hence, the festival provides an opportunity to witness the vibrant traditions and rich cultural heritage of the region.

2. Maha Shivaratri: A very important festival celebrated in the month of February/March especially being a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

3. Phalapuja: This festival celebrates the divine marriage of Virupaksha swamy and Pampa devi in the month of December.

4. Virupaksha Rathotsava: Virupaksha swamy and his consort Pampa devi are given a ride in wooden ratha (chariot) through the streets of Hampi in the month of March/April.

5. Diwali: Diwali Puja is done at the temple in the evening during Diwali festival in the month of October. The temple elephant ‘Lakshmi’ participates in a local procession on Diwali.

How to reach the Temple

- Hampi is 350 km from Bangalore. Express and Passenger trains from Bangalore Railway station can take you up to Bellary in 7 hours minimum. From Bellary, take a taxi to Virupaksha temple in Hampi, and it will take you 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach.

- The nearest railway station to Virupaksha temple is Hospet Junction. Express and passenger trains are available from Bangalore to Hospet, and it is approximately a 9-hour journey. From Hospet, it is a 30-minute car ride to Virupaksha temple.