Virupaksha Temple is a sacred place and historical site located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in Hampi, Karnataka state. Built during the seventh century, the temple’s history and beautiful architecture make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also rich 7th century inscriptions found on the walls of the temple which present evidence of its rich heritage. This ancient temple is dedicated to Virupaksha, one of the forms of Lord Shiva, also known as “Prasanna Virupaksha Temple”. The temple has beautiful sculptures of several deities along with the main deity which depicts mythological stories of many deities through artifacts.
If you want to know about the architecture and history of Virupaksha temple, once visit Hampi temple of Karnataka, but before going on your journey, you must also read this article in full, which includes the history, architecture, and Virupaksha temple of Virupaksha temple. Know all the details related to the journey of
- History of Virupaksha Temple
The history of Virupaksha Temple dates back to around the seventh century. According to the Archaeological Survey of India, the Virupaksha temple was built in the name of Lokmahadevi, the queen of Vikramaditya II, to commemorate the king’s success in a battle over the Pallavas of Kanchi. At that time the construction of the Virupaksha temple began as a small temple and was later developed into a huge complex during the Vijayanagara rule. Evidence also exists that additions were made to the Virupaksha temple during the later years of Hoysala and Chalukya sovereignty.
The original art, craft and culture of the temple flourished during the fourteenth century during the reign of the dynasty. But these beautiful architecture and creations were destroyed and crushed by Muslim intruders.
But even after the devastation of Hampi in 1565, the devotional group of Goddess Pampa and Virupaksha did not cease and temple worship was performed which is still performed today. The temple underwent extensive renovations in the early 19th century which included paintings of towers and roofs.
- Architecture of Virupaksha Temple
The Virupaksha temple is built in the South Indian style. It has three gopurams; Of which the eastern Gopuram is the largest, the other two are the smaller Gopurams to the east and the inner northern part of the temple complex. The Gopuram at the eastern entrance is nine storeys and is 50 meters long. Beautiful sculptures of several Hindu deities embellish the outer face of the gopuram. Entering from the eastern entrance through Gopuram, you will step into the outer courtyard which houses several sanctuaries for the younger deities.
Along with the main deity in the temple, there are beautiful sculptures of several deities which depict mythological stories of deities through artifacts. Many ruins can be seen outside the temple which are called ruins of an ancient market place near the temple.
- Celebrations and Celebrations at Virupaksha Temple
The famous Virupaksha temple is famous for its architecture and rich history as well as the celebrations in the temple which are celebrated with much pomp and gaiety. These festivals also play an important role in the attraction of Virupaksha Temple, which is visited by tourists from all over the world, so let’s know below the major festivals and celebrations celebrated in Virupaksha Temple –
Rath Festival
The chariot festival held in the months of March or April at Virupaksha Temple is the main festival and ceremony of Virupaksha Temple, which is celebrated with great fervor. In this festival, an idol of Lord Virupaksha is placed on a beautiful wooden chariot decorated with flowers and lamps and a procession is taken out along with a huge procession. The songs and mantras sung in the procession are considered to symbolize the celebration of marriage to Pampa, the goddess of Lord Virupaksha.
Virupaksha Rath Festival
In the month of December, the temple again celebrates the marriage of Virupaksha and Pampa, called the ‘Phalpooja Utsav’, which attracts a huge crowd of devotees. The festival is celebrated from 3 to 5 November.
Shivratri
Shivaratri Festival is a famous festival held in Virupaksha Temple which is celebrated with great fervor as the birth anniversary of Lord Shiva which is attended by a large number of devotees and tourists from various corners of the country. Tell us that this festival usually falls in the month of February or March.
- Tips to visit Virupaksha Temple
If you are planning a trip to Virupaksha temple with your friends or family, then follow the tips given below during your journey –
During the visit of Virupaksha temple, pay attention that it is not allowed to wear shoes in the temple, so take your shoes out of the temple or leave it in your car.
Please tell that photography of idols is not allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum, so do not try to take photographs of idols during the visit of Virupaksha temple.
If you are going to visit Virupaksha temple on hot days, then pay attention that the temperature here is slightly warmer than other places, so visit the Virupaksha temple wearing caps, sunglasses and light clothes and if possible, Virupaksha in winter season. Plan a visit to the temple.
Note that there is no fee for darshan or entry of Virupaksha temple, so do not give money to anyone to visit or visit the Virupaksha temple.
- Virupaksha Temple Timings
9.00 am to 1.00 pm
5.00 pm to 9.00 pm
- Entry fee of Virupaksha temple
Whatever the devotees and tourists are searching for the entry fees of Virupaksha temple, let us tell them that there is no fee for visiting and entering the Virupaksha temple, here you can roam the temple without paying any fee.
- Places to visit around Virupaksha Temple
Situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in the state of Karnataka, Hampi is a historical site surrounded by Virupaksha Temple as well as many famous temples, 500 ancient monuments, bustling street markets, bastions, treasures and delectable relics that you can visit in Virupaksha Temple Can go walking
Vitthal Temple
Hampi market
Elephant stables
Queen’s bathroom
Matang Hill
Lotus Palace
Monolith bull
Big lingam
Monkey temple
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
Doroji Bear Sanctuary
Hemkuta hill temple complex
Hazara Ram Temple
Archaeological Museum
- Best time to visit Virupaksha Temple
The winter season (October to February) is the best time to visit Virupaksha Temple, during which the weather of Hampi is quite pleasant and favorable for travel. Most of the major festivals of Virupaksha Temple are celebrated in these months, which makes it more suitable for visiting Virupaksha Temple. In summer, the weather of Hampi is very humid and hot, so during this time we would advise you to avoid visiting the Virupaksha temple.
- Hotels in Hampi
Hampi is a major historical and tourist destination of the state of Karnataka, where thousands of Indian and foreign tourists are recorded every year. Due to this increasing tourism, all budget hotels, homestays and guesthouses are available in Hampi today, which you can select to stay in your visit to Virupaksha Temple.
Heritage Resort Hampi
Shankar Homestay
Gopi Guesthouse
Hyatt Place Hampi
How to reach Virupaksha Temple Hampi
Virupaksha Temple is connected to all parts of the state and country via Hampi where it can be reached by traveling by flight, train or road.
So let’s know how we can go to Virupaksha temple Hampi by flight, train or road.
- How to reach Hampi from Virupaksha temple by flight
If you choose the air route to Virupaksha temple Hampi, then let us tell you that the nearest airport to Hampi is Jindal Vijayanagar Airport Bellary Airport, 35 km from Hampi. Are at a distance of. You will come out of the airport and reach Virupaksha temple Hampi through local means running here.
- How to reach Hampi by train
Are at a distance of. Hospet junction is connected to Karnataka and many major cities of the state by train, hence it is very easy to travel to Hampi by train. After landing at Hospet Junction, tourists can travel by bus or local vehicles to visit Virupaksha Temple.
- How to reach Hampi by road
If you have selected the option of traveling by bus or road to visit Virupaksha Temple Hampi, then you are very well connected by road to major cities like Hampi Banglore, Pune, Mumbai and Bellary. Hampi is also operated from almost all the cities of Karnataka, from which anyone can travel easily. If traveling to the Virupaksha temple from the nearby city, you can also take self driving or hire a taxicab.
In this article, you have known the history of Virupaksha temple, time of visit, tips and other information related to the visit of Virupaksha temple. How did you find this article in our comments?
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