The famous Virupaksha Temple dedicated to Bhagwan Shiv is located in Hampi just 350 km from Bangalore. Because of Mahadev`s unique and diversely-eyed form (three eyed form) Bhagwan shiv is known as Virupaksha. The 7th century temple is situated on the banks of Pampa or Tungabhadra river in Karnataka.
The Virupaksha Temple is a major part of the group of historical monuments of Hampi, especially in the group of monuments located at Pattadakal. The name of this temple is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Virupaksha and his consort Devi Pampa. Near the Virupaksha Temple there are some dedicated temples to other deities. Virupaksha Temple has a history related to the Vijayanagar Empire.
Architecture of Virupaksha Temple:
The Virupaksha Temple reflects the South Indian Dravidian architectural style and is built of brick and lime. To the east of the temple is a huge stone Nandi, while on the south side there is a huge statue of Ganesh. There is a 6.7-meter high statue of Narsingh holding the body of half lion and half man. The gopuram of the entrance of Virupaksha Temple is surrounded by huge rocks placed on Hemkuta hills and other surrounding hills and the balance of rocks is astonishing.
Originally it was a small shrine, and the sanctuary of Virupaksha–Pampa existed prior to the commencement of the Vijayanagara Empire. Virupaksha Temple is the main center of pilgrimage in Hampi and is considered the holiest sanctuary for centuries.
Virupaksha Temple is also known as Pampapati Temple. This holy place has a Mukha Mandapa (Ranga Mandapam), which has a huge chamber with three chambers and pillars. Currently, the Virupaksha Temple consists of an open pillared hall and a pillared hall, three ante chambers, and a sanctum. Some other structures surrounding this temple are entrance gateways, pillared cloisters, smaller shrines, and a courtyard.
There is also an underground Shiva temple in Virupaksha Temple. A large part of the temple is contained in water, so no one can go there. The temperature of this part of the temple is very low as compared to the outside. Stone plaque inscriptions provide a detailed account of the contribution of the Emperor to the Virupaksha Temple.
Mythology Behind Virupaksha Temple:
According to legends, Sri Virupaksha Temple is associated with the context of Bhagwan Shiva and Ravan. In Tretayuga, Ravana did hard penance to please Bhagwan Shiva. Mahadev was very pleased with the austerity of Ravan and asked to ask for the bride.
Ravan invited Shivji to walk to Lanka, but Bhagwan refused and gave Ravan a Shiva Lingam and said do not place it anywhere on earth before reaching your destination. If you put it somewhere, then this Shivling will be installed there itself and will not be removed.
Ravan took Shivling and walked towards Lanka. On the way, Ravan had to stay for some reason. He caught an elder Shivling and told him not to place it on the ground. But by the time Ravan arrived, the elderly had put him on the ground. Ravan tried hard to take Shivling with him, but he could not even shake it. Eventually, Ravan left Shivling and went to Lanka. Since then, Shivling has been here.
Main Festivals:
The main festivals held in the temple are Mahashivratri, Annual Rath Yatra, Falapuja festival. The chariot festival in the month of February is the chief annual festival celebrated here. The divine marriage between Virupaksheshwara and Pampa is celebrated in the month of December.
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