Virupaksha Temple

Virupaksha Temple - A Jewel in the Crown of Hampi

Virupaksha Temple is located in Hampi, a small city full of historical monuments that have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. Hampi is situated in the Vijayanagara district of Karnataka. Virupaksha temple, Hampi was built during the era of ruler Prauda Deva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Virupaksha Temple is one of the most revered sites in Hampi and is a part of most of the Virupaksha packages. The inscriptions on the temple date back to the 9^th-10th centuries. The Virupaksha Temple is believed to be the oldest functional temple since its construction in the 7^th century AD. This sanctum is flocked by devotees who come here to witness the daily temple rituals in the morning and evening. Daily activities start in the temple before sunrise and the temple remains closed during the afternoon. Book a trip with one of the Virupaksha packages during the annual festival and experience the grandeur. The temple is regularly visited by pilgrims and tourists.

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Important Information

• Tickets

You will find the ticket counter, police outpost and administrative offices in the first courtyard of the Virupaksha Temple.

. You can buy an entry ticket, a camera ticket and pay the video camera fee here.

• Timings

Virupaksha temple, Hampi is open on all days. You can visit the temple from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The best time to visitVirupaksha Templeis during the festivities. There is a lot of rush during festivals like the Marriage Festival of Pampa Devi and the Virupaksha Chariot Festival.

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Virupaksha Temple is from October to March. The climate is pleasant and cool for sightseeing.

Dress Code

There is no dress code, but it is advisable to dress modestly while visiting Virupaksha Temple. It usually takes 1 to 2 hours to explore the premises, so it is recommended to carry a water bottle and wear comfortable clothes.

Things to Remember

Sale and consumption of alcohol are not appreciated in the area close to Virupaksha Temple. Non-vegetarian food is not available here.

Sightseeing options

Hampi

Hampi is a treasure house of ruins from the bygone era. It is a gateway to the era of medieval kings. It is a must-visit destination for history buffs, pilgrims, photographers and tourists.It is dotted with several ruins ofVijayanagara Empire temple structures. The 7th-century Hindu Virupaksha Temple is located on the south bank of the river Tungabhadra, near the restored Hampi Bazaar. In front of the massive Vittala Temple site is a carved stone chariot. Lotus Mahal,Hanuman Temple,Hampi Bazaar,Hippie Island, Queen's Bath,Matanga Hill, Underground Temple,Gagan Mahal,Hemakuta Hill etc. are some other places that are not to be missed while you are in Hampi.

Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal

Pattadakal is located at a distance of 135 km from Hampi and it takes almost 3 hours to cover this distance by road. Don’t miss the Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal if you are in Hampi. This temple complex was built in the 7^th-8th century. It is a perfect blend of North Indian and South Indian styles of architecture. The river Mallaprabha, a branch of the Krishna River that runs through a valley surrounded by mountains and plains, is significant in South Indian history. It is the biggest temple in the complex and is dedicated to Shiva. The Virupaksha Temple is an active place of worship and is open on all days from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Hassan

Located at a distance of 321 km from the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, Hassan is a famous tourist place in Karnataka. It is known for several stone monuments that adorn the district. The temples at Hassan are the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. They include Koravangala Temple, Kedareshwara Temple, Ishvara Temple and the Hoysala Temples in Mosale. The statue of Lord Bahubali or Gomateshwara, which is 27 meters high is one of the main tourist attractions of Hassan. Hassan has a variety of exciting activities that will keep you entertained throughout your journey. Trekking on Kabbaligere Hill and numerous other islands around Hassan is among the most popular activities here. River rafting, kayaking, and swimming are all options on the Tungabhadra River. You may also go camping and pitch your tent beside the river or on the hillside.

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Food and More

Hampi is a small town in Karnataka where you will get delicious local food. Tungabhadra River bifurcates the town into two parts. You will not find non-vegetarian food in the part that has the Virupaksha Temple. To satisfy your craving for non-vegetarian food, you will have to take a ferry to the other part of the town. Tourists from all over the world visit the place so you will find a variety of foreign cuisine as well.

Thali (Meal)

A typical South Indian meal is a wholesome platter served for dinner or lunch. The menu of a thali or meal usually contains Roti, Badane Kaayi (stuffed brinjal), Ellu Chutney (dry groundnut powder chutney), Kosambari (dal with cucumber and carrot), Bele Kaalu (cooked sprouted dal), Anna (rice), salad, curd, raita, papad and ghee. It is usually served on a banana leaf and the dishes may vary from place to place. Desserts and fried dishes are served as accompaniments. You will find this meal in almost all restaurants near the Virupaksha Temple.

Dosa

These South Indian crepes are made using rice and lentil paste and taste delicious when served hot. The rice and lentils batter is fermented overnight and then made into thin pancakes. It has gained popularity all over India and in other countries. It is sometimes filled with mashed potatoes cooked with mild spices. It is served with ‘sambar’ (dal cooked with a variety of vegetables and special spices) and chutney (made using coconut and tamarind). Taste this traditional dish when you visit the Virupaksha Temple.

Idli

If you are planning to visit the Virupaksha Temple in the morning then you can have idli, sambar and chutney for breakfast. It is a nutritious breakfast that is easily available in the local shops. It keeps you full for a long time. Just like dosa, this dish also has to be prepared using a fermented batter made from rice and lentil paste. These dumplings are then steamed and served with delicious ‘sambar’ and ‘chutney’.

Israeli Food

After you have paid your respects at the Virupaksha Temple, it’s time to try German baked savouries topped with a generous amount of cheese. Try the Israeli Laffa, pasta cooked in special pesto sauce, German bread with hash browns and different kinds of omelettes, all are a must-try on your trip to the Virupaksha Temple.

What to buy on your trip to Virupaksha Temple?

Shopping is an integral part of any trip. While you are exploring the Virupaksha Temple you will find a souvenir shop near the ticket counter. You can buy books and maps on Hampi. You will find a lot of stone artefacts like oil lamps and idols of Nandi, Ganesha and Shiva. The only problem with buying these stone artefacts is that they are quite heavy. Several Lambani women sell colourful bags, jewellery, belts and trinkets at the roadside corners. These hand-woven pieces use mirrors, bells and antique-coin lookalikes along with colourful threads. This place is also famous for leather bags, leather puppets and footwear made from leather. You can buy them for personal use or pack them for your friends and relatives. Musical instruments like djembe, flute and ektara are also sold here. Buy one of these instruments and start learning once you are back home. These instruments are used during the annual Hampi Festival.