Welcome to the Virupaksha Temple !
This temple is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also the most happening place in Hampi, Karnataka. If you’re in search of some divine intervention, this is the place to be.
Legend has it that the temple has been around since the 7th century. That’s right!
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as Virupaksha/Pampapathi. The temple complex is massive and houses not only the main shrine but also a few other smaller ones. The Bhuvaneshwari and Vidyaranya shrines are definitely worth a visit.
The temple is surrounded by three gopuras (towers), but the eastern one steals the show. It’s a nine-story structure that stands tall at 50 meters. You can’t miss it even if you tried.
This beauty was built in the fifteenth century and still looks as stunning as ever. The temple also has a triangular shape, and as you look up, you’ll see the patterns repeating themselves, just like a snowflake.
Now, let me tell you a little secret. Krishnadevaraya, one of the most famous kings of the Vijayanagara Empire, loved this temple so much that he added his own touch to it. The central pillared hall and the gateway tower are his contribution. You can read all about it on the stone plaque next to the hall. The halls in the temple were used for special programmes of music, dance, and drama, and even to celebrate the marriages of deities.
One can spend hours exploring the temple complex and still not see everything. And, if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Tungabhadra River flowing along the temple’s terrace.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your camera, and head on over to the Virupaksha Temple.