Virupaksha
The Virupaksha temple is located at the foot of the hill called Hemakuta Hill is the core of the village of Hampi. The temple, often called Pampapathi temple, is the most sacred of the temples of this place. Historically speaking, this temple has an uninterrupted history from about the 7th century. The temple contains the shirines of Lord Shiva, Pampa and Bhuvaneshwari. What was once a small shrine, in course of time, developed into a large complex under the Vijayanagara rulers. At present, the main temple consists of a Sanctum, three ante chambers, a pillared hall and a Mukha Mantapa also called Ranga Mantapa or an open pillared hall. A pillared cloister, entrance gateways, courtyards, attendant shrines and other manttapas surround the temple. In 1510 A.D. Krishnadevaraya added the above-mentioned Ranga Mantapa.
The Ranga mantapa consists of 38 pillars, relieved with sculptures. These pillars are divided into two vertical sections - the first is cut to resemble a rearing Yali - a mythical lion, standing on a Makara, while the second section is basically square with small relief, depicting mostly Sohaiva themes. These pillars are aesthetically composed and skilfully constructed.
The central ceiling of the Ranga Mantapa is of substantial size. The ceiling as well as the beams supporting the ceilings is covered with painted panels. The panel depicts themes from the Mahabharatha, the Ramayana and the Shiva Puranas as well as from the contemporary life.
Starting at the entrance of the temple is Virupaksha Bazaar or market, largest of the many bazaars of Vijayanagara. Each major Temple complex had its own bazaar around which a township developed. This is the only bazaar around which a township of a sort still exists. This bazaar is flanked by the main gopura of Virupaksha temple called Bishtappa's gopuroa on the one end and the monolithic Nandi at the other end. The 9 storied, 53 meters high gopura adds elegance to the 732 meters long and 28 meters wide Virupaksha Bazaar.
The other temple of significance in this complex is the shrine for Goddess Bhuvaneshwari. This shrine was rebuilt in the Vijayanagara days, over an 11th century temple. This temple is chiefly noted for its marvelously worked door-frame, pillars and articulately chiseled ceiling panels.
Architecture of Virupaksha Temple Hampi
Virupaksha Temple at Hampi was built by Lokamahadevi, the Queen of Vikaramaditya II in about A.D.740 to commemorate her husband’s victory over the Pallavas of Kanchipuram. Resembling the Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, the temple represents the Dravidian architecture. The temple is a huge complex with a Sanctum, three ante chambers, a pillared hall and a Mukha Mandapa (entrance porch) also called Ranga Mantapa or an open pillared hall and is enclosed by high Prakara walls. Virupaksha Temple is a perfect example of the Vijayanagara Style of architecture. The main entrance of the Hampi temple is through the chariot street in front of the temple, popularly called the Hampi Bazaar which is considered as the largest of the bazaars of Vijayanagara.
There are three towers in the temple. The nine-tiered eastern gateway is about 50 m high and comprises a two-tiered stone base. Though this entrance dates back to the first half of the fifteenth century, it was renovated in the sixteenth century by Krishnadevaraya (a Vijaynagar ruler). An interesting feature is that the inverted shadow of this huge tower falls on the western wall of the temple through a small hole behind the sanctum. The northern gopuram, known as the Kangiri Gopuram, is a five storey and decorated with beautiful pilasters. The inner eastern gopuram is a three storey structure.
Antarala (a small antechamber), an ‘ardha-mandapa’ (ardha means half) and a ‘maha-mandapa’ or ranga mandapa are seen in front of the sanctum of presiding deity. The Ranga mandapam, built in Vijayanagar style by Krishnadevaraya in 1510 AD, is noted for its bas relief and murals. This five-aisled mandapa is decorated with various types of composite pillars. There are sixteen pillars in the central rectangle, which have mythical lions with chains hanging from their mouths, 'makaras' (a mythical creature) below their feet, and riders, on their backs. Also portrayed here are some of Lord Shiva's manifestations, the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu (Dashavatara) and scenes from Great Sanskrit Indian epic Mahabharata depicting Arjuna's shooting the fish device to win Draupadi's hand. The ardha mandapa is seen to the west of the 'ranga mandapa' and its entrance is flanked by a pair of huge four-armed 'dvarapalas' (guardians of doors). A Vijayanagara structure, the ardha mandapa is decorated with bas-reliefs in its exterior walls and the central ceiling with a multi-petal lotus design.
Shrines Inside Virupaksha Temple
The idol of Lord Virupaksha is seen in the form of a Linga inside the sanctum. The sub shrines of Goddess
Pampa and Goddess Bhuvaneswari, consorts of Lord Shiva, are found towards the north of the main shrine. The shrine for Goddess Bhuvaneshwari is noted for its beautifully worked door-frame, pillars and ceiling panels. The shrine of Pataleswara, a form of Lord Shiva, is seen in an underground chamber. There is also a separate shrine for Navagrahas and for Vidyaranya, the holy founder of Vijayanagar in this temple.
Phalapuja Festival
Held during December, this festival marks the ceremonial betrothal and the marriage of Lord Virupaksha and Goddess Pampa.
Deepavali or Diwali and Maha Shivaratri are other important Hindu festivals celebrated at the temple with great religious importance.
