Virupaksha Temple of Hampi

Travel to India > Hampi > Virupaksha Temple of Hampi

Virupaksha temple, also known as the Pampapathi temple is known to be one of the famous pilgrimages which witnesses a lot of tourist traffic every year. This is a fully intact temple which incorporates figurines and architectures of bygone times. Every year, thousands of tourists from across the world come to see this important pilgrimage of Southern India. The vicinity of the Virupaksha Temple of Hampi composes of numerous ramshackle mandapams. In all it is a place which is not only fascinating for the tourists who love to visit religious destinations but also for those who have a bent for history.

History of the Virupaksha Temple

One of the famous things about the Virupaksha temple is its interesting history. People say that the eastern tower of the temple has its origin ages ago. It is generally believed that fifteenth century's first half was the time when actually this tower came into existence. Sixteenth centaury was the period of renovation of this tower. Basically the other pillars and shrines of the temple are supposed to have their origin in the 12th century.

Narrative sketch of the Virupaksha temple

Basically the main attraction of the Virupaksha temple is its three towers. Eastern tower of the temple has a charm of its own. This is a nine tired tower which rises to a height of 160 Ft. Great artistic contribution was made by Krishna Dev Raya when the renovation of this tower took place. The norther tower of the temple or the Gopuram consists of five tiers. The eastern inner Gopuram or the tower comprises of three beautiful storeys. While the innermost Prakram of the temple is adorned with magnificent shrines and pillars. The presiding deity of the Virupaksha temple is the Virupaksheshwara Devi. Another major attraction of the temple is its Mandapam which was constructed magnificently under the rule of Krishna Deva Raya. The Vijaynagar style of architecture was adopted in the construction of this temple. The murals of the temple are also in Vijaynagar style. A very charming painting exhibiting a sketch of Vidyaranya, Vijaynagar's spiritual founder also makes an attraction of the temple.

So, if too are true lover of history and are looking forward for a religious tour which can make a treasured memory of your life then Virupaksha temple is a place which you should not skip out in a trip to Hampi. The amazing architecture and the aura of the temple is absolutely an inescapable option which the tourists must check out in a Hampi tour.