Virupaksha Temple, Hindu temple in Hampi, India
Virupaksha is a Hindu temple in Vijayanagara district, Karnataka, with a tall entrance tower built from stone and brick that rises across nine levels. The inner chambers open to several smaller shrines, their walls carved with detailed reliefs from the Vijayanagara period.
The earliest structures date from the 7th century, when local rulers built a small shrine to Shiva. Between the 14th and 16th centuries, the Vijayanagara kings expanded the complex with the main tower and surrounding courtyards.
The temple name links Virupaksha with the local goddess Pampa, reflecting the belief that Shiva was married here. Pilgrims walk through the pillared courtyard to the inner shrine, where thousands of devotees chant and light incense together during festival days.
The entrance lies on the eastern side and passes through several gateways into the inner area, where the main shrines stand. Visitors should cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes before entering the halls.
On certain days of the year, the sun passes through a window and casts the image of the tower onto the opposite wall inside the sanctuary. This light effect was part of the original design and shows the astronomical knowledge of the builders.
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