Virupaksha Temple, Hampi History, Architecture & Travel Information

Sri Virupaksha Temple is a holy place and historical site situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in Hampi, Karnataka state. Built during the 7th century, this temple has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its history and beautiful architecture. There are also rich inscriptions from the 7th century on the walls of the temple which provide evidence of its rich heritage.

This ancient temple is dedicated to one of the forms of Lord Shiva, Virupaksha which is also known as “Prasanna Virupaksha Temple”. Initially, only a few idols were installed in this temple but over time this temple developed into a huge building. Ranga Mandapam was built by Krishna Devaraya in 1510 AD which reflects the architectural style of Vijayanagara.

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History of Virupaksha Temple

The history of the Virupaksha Shiva temple dates back to the 7th century. According to the Archaeological Survey of India, the Virupaksha temple was built by the name of Lokamaha Devi, queen of Vikramaditya II, to commemorate the king’s success in a battle over the Pallavas of Kanchi. During the reign of the Vikramaditya dynasty in the 14th century, the temple developed the original art, craft, and culture of

But this beautiful architecture and creations were destroyed by Muslim intruders but even after the destruction of Hampi in 1565 the devotional group of Goddess Pampa and Virupaksha did not end and the temple continued to be worshiped which is done even today. The temple underwent extensive renovations in the early 19th century.

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The architecture of Virupaksha Temple

The Virupaksha temple is built in the South Indian style and has three gopurams, of which the eastern gopuram is the largest. There are other two smaller gopurams on the east and the inner northern side of the temple complex. The gopuram situated at the eastern entrance is 9 storeyed and is 50 meters tall. The Bhuvaneshwari temple in the complex has ornate pillars and intricate stone works highlighting the architecture of the Chalukya period.

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Festivals and Celebrations at Virupaksha Temple

The famous Virupaksha temple is famous for its architectural art and rich history as well as the festivals celebrated in the temple which is celebrated with much pomp and gaiety. These festivals also play an important part in the attraction of Virupaksha Temple which attracts tourists from all over the world to be a part of it. So let’s know about the major festivals and celebrations celebrated in the opposition temple.

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Chariot Festival-: The Chariot Festival held in the Virupaksha temple in the month of March or April is the main festival and function of this temple which is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Let us tell that in this festival an idol of Lord Virupaksha is seated on a beautiful wooden chariot decorated with flowers and lamps and along with a huge procession, a Rath Yatra is taken out on Shivratri.

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Shivratri -: Shivratri 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 different corners of the country. This festival usually falls in the month of February or March.

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Tips for Visiting Virupaksha Temple

If you are planning a trip to Virupaksha Temple with your friends or family, then definitely follow the following tips during your visit. While visiting Virupaksha Temple, note that wearing shoes is not allowed in the temple. Please note that photography of idols is not allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum, so do not attempt to take photographs of idols during the visit to this temple.

Pay attention if you are going to visit Virupaksha Temple on hot days. The temperature here is slightly warmer than other places, so wear a hat, sunglasses, and light clothes to visit the Virupaksha Temple and if possible, plan a visit to this Temple in the winter season.

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Virupaksha Temple Timings

Virupaksha Temple is open from 9 AM to 1 PM from 5 PM to 9 PM

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Entry Fee of Virupaksha Temple

There is no charge for the darshan and entry of Virupaksha Temple. Here you can roam around the temple without paying any fee.

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Places to visit near Virupaksha temple

Hampi, located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in the state of Karnataka, is a historical site surrounded by many famous temples, 500 ancient monuments, bustling street markets, citadels, treasures, and captivating relics along with the Virupaksha Temple.

Those You Can Visit in Virupaksha Temple Tour Vitthal Temple, Hampi Bazar, Elephant Stables, and Queen’s Bath, Matanga Hill, Lotus Mahal, Monolith Bull, Bada Shiva Linga, Monkey Temple, Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Daroji Bear Sanctuary, Hemkut Hill Temple Complex, Hazara Ram Temples, Archaeological Museums, etc.

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Best time to visit Virupaksha Temple

The Winter season ie October to February is the best time to visit Virupaksha Temple, during which the weather of Hampi is quite pleasant and conducive to travel.

Most of the major festivals of Virupaksha Shiva temple are celebrated in these months which makes it all the more suitable for a visit to the temple. Hampi weather is quite humid and hot in summer so during this time we would advise you to avoid visiting this Temple

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Hotels to stay in Hampi

Hampi is a major historical and tourist destination in the state of Karnataka, which sees thousands of Indian and foreign tourists every year. Due to this increasing tourism, today all budget hotels, homestays, and guest houses are available in Hampi.

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How to Reach Virupaksha Temple

Virupaksha Temple Hampi is connected to all parts of the state and country which can be reached by traveling by flight train or road. So let us know how we can reach Virupaksha Temple Hampi by flight train or road.

By Flight-: If you choose the air route to go to Virupaksha Temple Hampi, then let us tell you that the nearest airport to Hampi is “Jindal Vijay Nagar Airport” Bellary Airport which is at a distance of 35 km from Hampi. After coming out of the airport, you will reach Virupaksha Temple Hampi by local vehicles plying here.

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By Train-: Hampi does not have any railway station of its own but the nearest railway station is Hospet Junction which is just 13 km away from Hampi. Hospet Junction is well connected to several major cities of Karnataka and the state by rail, so traveling by train to Hampi is easy. After landing at Hospet Junction, tourists can travel by bus or local vehicles to the Virupaksha Temple.

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By Road-: If you have opted to travel by bus or road to visit Virupaksha Temple Hampi, then let us tell you that Hampi is very well connected by road from Bangalore to major cities like Pune Mumbai, and Bellary. Buses are also operated to Hampi from almost all the cities of Karnataka from which one can travel easily.

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