Virupaksha Temple, Hampi

Hampi, Karnataka

Also Known As:

Sri Pampapathi

Virupaksha Temple in Hampi is a revered and time-honoured place of worship that continues to inspire deep devotion among countless devotees. Surrounded by a serene atmosphere and enriched with cultural charm, the temple stands as a symbol of faith, tradition, and community bonding. Its sacred premises have witnessed generations of prayers, festivals, and rituals that reflect the spiritual heartbeat of the region. Visitors are often drawn not only by the temple’s divine presence but also by its beautiful surroundings, intricate craftsmanship, and the sense of peace it offers. Whether you are a pilgrim seeking blessings or a traveller exploring heritage sites, Virupaksha Temple remains an unmissable spiritual landmark that speaks of the region’s enduring cultural and religious legacy. As part of the broader heritage of Famous temples in Karnataka, it continues to attract devotees and travellers alike.

Virupaksha Temple History and Significance

The Virupaksha Temple's history dates back to the 7th century CE. It began as a small shrine and expanded under the Vijayanagara rulers. Inscriptions from the 9th and 10th centuries mention Shiva. The temple complex was built by Lakkana Dandesha, a chieftain under Deva Raya II.

Ceiling paintings from the 14th and 16th centuries adorn the temple. Despite the city's destruction in 1565, worship continued. Major renovations occurred in the 19th century, restoring broken towers. It remains the only well-preserved temple in Hampi.

Virupaksha Temple Opening Time
Virupaksha Temple Pooja Timing
Virupaksha Temple Information Facilities and Accommodation
Virupaksha Temple Transportation and Accessibility
Virupaksha Temple Interesting Facts
Other Shiva Temples
Famous Temples from around

Virupaksha Temple Opening Time

Day	Timings
Monday	4:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday	4:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday	4:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday	4:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday	4:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday	4:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday	4:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Virupaksha Temple Pooja Timing

Pooja Name	Timings
Morning Pooja	6:00 AM - 7:30 AM
Afternoon Pooja	12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Evening Pooja	6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Special Rituals (on request)	Customizable based on prior booking with temple authorities

Virupaksha Temple Location Details

Virupaksha Temple is located in Hampi, Vijayanagara district, Karnataka. The temple is well connected by road, rail, and air, making it easily accessible for devotees and tourists. Below are the location details.

Address

Car Street, 583239

08394241241

How to Reach Virupaksha Temple

By Road:

Hampi is well-connected by road to major towns in Karnataka. State Transport Buses and private taxis operate regularly from cities like Bangalore, Hubli, and Hospet.

By Train:

Nearest railway stations: Hospet Junction (13 km away) and Bellary Junction (60 km away). From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Hampi.

By Air:

Nearest airport: Hubli Airport (approximately 144 km away). From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Hospet, the closest town to Hampi.

Virupaksha Temple Visitor Information & Tips

Best time to visit (season/months):

October to February. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rainfall. Summers can be extremely hot, so winter months are ideal for exploring the temple and surrounding ruins comfortably.

Temple Facility

Vehicle Parking:

vehicle parking is available

Conduct of Marriage:

Hampi Sri Virupakseshwara temple simple marriage will be done as per rules

Drinking Water R.O.:

RO Plant is functioning.

Other Shiva Temples

Virupaksha Temple Information Facilities and Accommodation

Subshrines Details

Sri Bhuvaneswari Devi:

the deity is known as kula devara vijayanagara empire. the Bhuvanesware devi is the main deity of Kannada Nadu, Sri Vidyaranya Swamiji prayed and done tappassu on the banks of Thungha Bhadra river Hemakoota, the Goddes blessed with golden rain, thereafter the Vijayanagera empire is constituted

Tank Information

Manmatha Honda:

manmatha Honda is beside the Sri Virupakseshwara Swamy temple, the annual rituals like theppa utsava is held in the month of December and April ಮ

Legends Beliefs

Virupaksha Temple is a sacred sanctuary in Hampi, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Virupaksha or Pampa pathi. He is the consort of the local goddess Pampadevi, associated with the Tungabhadra River. The temple is a major pilgrimage centre, revered for centuries.
Deities and Sub Deities

The main deity of the Virupaksha Temple is Lord Shiva, worshipped as Virupaksha or Pampa pathi. The temple also honours the goddess Pampadevi, linked to the Tungabhadra River. A nearby village, Nalagamapalle, houses the Virupakshini Amma temple, dedicated to the mother goddess.
Offerings

Devotees offer prayers and rituals to Lord Shiva and the goddess Pampadevi. The temple serves as a place for various religious ceremonies, including weddings and other significant events, where offerings are made to seek blessings.
Architecture

The temple features a sanctum, three ante chambers, a pillared hall, and an open hall. Delicately carved pillars decorate the structure. A nine-tiered eastern gateway, 50 meters high, leads to the outer court with sub-shrines. The Kanakagiri gopura leads to the Tungabhadra River.Mathematical concepts, like fractals, are used in the temple's design. The central pillared hall, added by Krishnadevaraya, is the most ornate. Inscriptions detail his contributions, including the eastern gopuram. The halls served various purposes, such as hosting music and dance events.
Festivals

The temple hosts the betrothal and wedding festivities of Virupaksha and Pampa in December. In February, the annual chariot festival attracts large crowds, celebrating the temple's rich cultural heritage and religious significance.
Religious Practices

The temple is a hub for religious activities, with daily worship and special ceremonies. Devotees participate in rituals, seeking blessings from Lord Shiva and the goddess Pampadevi. The temple's vibrant festivals and events draw pilgrims from across the region.

FAQ's

Where is the Virupaksha Temple located?

The Virupaksha Temple is located in Hampi, Karnataka, India. Specifically, it is situated in the Vijayanagara district.

Which God is Sri Pampa Virupakseshwara Swamy?

Sri Pampa Virupakseshwara Swamy is a major Hindu deity.

What is the best time to visit Virupaksha Temple?

How to reach Virupaksha Temple from near City or Town?

Nearest railway stations: Hospet Junction (13 km away) and Bellary Junction (60 km away). From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Hampi. Nearest airport: Hubli Airport (approximately 144 km away). From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Hospet, the closest town to Hampi.