Virupaksha Temple

Virupaksha Temple is an active Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Hampi Bazaar, Hampi, Vijayanagara District, Karnataka. Situated on the south bank of the Tungabhadra River, it is the principal temple of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its towering eastern gopuram, intricate Vijayanagara architecture, and continuous worship since the 7th century, it remains Hampi's most prominent religious and architectural landmark.

Visitors can expect a large active temple complex with a towering 50-meter eastern gopuram, pillared halls, courtyards, shrines, and intricate stone carvings. The temple is set at the eastern end of Hampi Bazaar with Matanga and Hemakuta hills nearby and the Tungabhadra River to the north. Inside, visitors can see the main sanctum dedicated to Virupaksha, smaller shrines, a monolithic Nandi, mural paintings, and the famous inverted shadow of the gopuram in a dark chamber. The complex is busy with pilgrims, priests, and tourists.

The temple's origins date to the 7th century, with major expansions under the Vijayanagara Empire, particularly during the reign of Krishnadevaraya in the early 16th century. It is the only temple in Hampi where worship has continued uninterrupted. The complex exhibits Vijayanagara architectural style and is part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

Dedicated to Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva and consort of local goddess Pampa, the temple is the main pilgrimage centre of Hampi and remains an active place of worship. It is central to religious festivals such as the annual chariot festival and reflects the living religious traditions associated with the Tungabhadra River and Hampi's sacred landscape.