Virupaksha Temple Pattadakal(Pampapathi temple Hampi)

Virupaksha Temple Hampi or Pampapathi Temple Hampi is the main center of pilgrimage at Hampi. The temple is fully intact and it incorporates and comprises of some of the earliest structures. This temple is visited by thousands of tourists every year who come from all over the world and from all across India. In the vicinity and surroundings of the Virupaksha Temple Hampi there are several dilapidated mandapams.

History

The eastern tower of the Virupaksha Temple dates back to a long time. The tower actually dates back to the first half of the fifteenth century. Later the tower was renovated in the sixteenth century. The shrines and pillars in the temple date back to the 12th century.

Description

The Virupaksha Temple Hampi has three towers. The eastern tower of the temple rises to a height of 160 feet and is nine tiered. Dating back to the first half of the fifteenth century, it was renovated in the sixteenth century by the great Krishnadevaraya. This tower had been built in such a way that an inverted shadow of this massive tower fell on the western wall of the temple through a small hole behind the sanctum.

Virupaksheshwara is the presiding deity in the temple. The northern gopuram of the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi in India possesses five storeys. There are three storeys in the inner eastern gopuram. The inner prakaram of the Virupaksha Temple, Karnataka consists and comprises of pillars and shrines.

A mandapam was built in front of the sanctum by Krishnadevaraya. The mandapam was embellished and decorated with Vijayanagar style bas reliefs and murals. There is a beautiful wall painting that depicts Vidyaranya the spiritual founder of Vijayanagar in procession.