Virupaksha Temple stands near the banks of the Tungabhadra River, with a tall gopuram, pillared halls and a continuous stream of pilgrims and tourists. Monkeys, market stalls and ruins of old bazaars around it create a living-temple-in-an-ancient-city feel. The temple is still active, with daily worship and festivals, anchoring the Hampi landscape.
About this place
History & highlights
Virupaksha Temple predates the Vijayanagara capital but became the main state temple when Hampi rose as the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire (14th–16th centuries). The kings considered Virupaksha their tutelary deity and expanded the complex with gopurams and mandapas. Even after Hampi was sacked in 1565, this temple continued functioning, making it a rare example of living worship in a largely ruined city. Its history is central to understanding Hampi’s role as a Hindu imperial capital.
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