Sree Virupaksha Temple

The Virupaksha temple’s chronicle is unremitting from around the seventh century. Virupaksha-Pampa retreat existed for a long time here. There are several inscriptions about Lord Shiva which were engraved in the 9th century.

It started as a little shrine and later developed into a huge complex during the Vijayanagara rule. There is evidence that indicates additions were made to the Virupaksha temple during the later years of the Hoysala and Chalukyan sovereignty.

Native art, craft, and culture flourished during the fourteenth century during the reign of the dynasty. But these beautiful architectures and creations were destroyed when the Vijayanagara rulers were crushed by Muslim intruders.

The devotional group of Pampa and Virupaksha did not come to an end with the devastation of Hampi in 1565. The temple is worshiped even today and has persisted all over the years. There were extensive renovations done in the early 19^th century that include the addition of towers and ceiling paintings.

At present, the main temple consists of a sanctum, three ante chambers, a pillared hall, and an open pillared hall. A pillared cloister, entrance gateways, courtyards, smaller shrines, and other structures surround the temple.

The nine-tiered eastern gateway, which is the largest at 50 meters, is well-proportioned and incorporates some earlier structures. It has a brick superstructure and a stone base. It gives access to the outer court containing many sub-shrines.

The smaller eastern gateway leads to the inner court with its numerous smaller shrines.
A narrow channel of the Tungabhadra River flows along the temple’s terrace and then descends to the temple kitchen and out through the outer court.

Krishnadevaraya, one of the famous kings of the Vijayanagara Empire was a major patron of this temple. The most ornate of all structures in the temple, the central pillared hall is believed to be his addition to this temple. So is the gateway tower giving access to the inner courtyard of the temple. Inscriptions on a stone plaque installed next to the pillared hall explain his contribution to the temple. It is recorded that Krishna Devaraya commissioned this hall in 1510 AD.

By Air: The closest international airport from Hampi is Bellary, 350 km away. Tourists can take a cab from Bellary to Hampi

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Hospet at about 13 km away. Hospet is amply connected to major cities like Bellary and Bangalore. Tourists usually hire a cab from Hospet to reach Hampi. The distance from Bangalore to Hampi is a distance of 288km.

By Road: Tourists can go to Hampi by bus from places like Bellary, Hospet, and Bangalore. Volvo and AC buses are available for the passengers. Travelers can avail cabs as well.

9.00 AM and 8.00 PM.

River Rd, Hampi, Karnataka 583239

The best time to visit Virupaksha Temple is during the festivities like the Marriage Festival of Pampa Devi and Virupaksha and Chariot Festival.