Deity
Shiva (Virupaksha)
Main deity
श्री विरूपाक्ष
Virupaksha Temple Hampi
Virupaksha Temple Hampi is a historic Shiva temple in Hampi, Vijayanagara district, Karnataka. The record notes it as a spiritual center within the Hampi UNESCO site, with an early origin (7th century) and strong association with Vijayanagara-era heritage.
Virupaksha Temple Hampi
Virupaksha Temple Hampi
Virupaksha Temple Hampi
Virupaksha Temple Hampi
Virupaksha Temple Hampi
Temple Summary
Quick Facts
Pilgrimage Status
Hampi spiritual center
Heritage pilgrimage
Architecture
Vijayanagara style
Temple architecture
Location
Hampi, Vijayanagara, Karnataka
Hampi region
Temple Profile
History and Significance
History
- Founded
- 7th Century AD
- Founder
- Vijayanagara Kings
- The origins of Virupaksha Temple date back to the 7th century AD as a modest shrine, predating the Vijayanagara Empire. Under Vijayanagara patronage, particularly King Krishnadevaraya in the 16th century, the temple was enlarged into a massive complex. Remarkably, active worship has continued uninterrupted at Virupaksha despite the battle destruction of Hampi in 1565.
Significance
- Virupaksha Temple stands as the principal active place of worship in the historic Hampi UNESCO World Heritage landscape along the Tungabhadra River. The complex is crowned by a magnificent 165-foot Raja Gopura and features a unique pinhole camera optical effect in an inner chamber. Lord Virupaksha and Goddess Pampa are celebrated annually during the grand Phala Pooja festival.
Temple Pilgrimage Summary
Pilgrim Guide
Before You Visit
Arrive early for darshan
With approximate timings of 06:00–18:00, morning hours can be more comfortable for darshan and movement around Hampi.
Confirm timings and entry flow
Timings are marked approximate in the record; verify the day’s schedule and any queue system at the temple entrance.
Keep time for heritage exploration
As the temple is within the Hampi UNESCO area (per record), plan extra time if you intend to visit nearby heritage zones the same day.
Dress and conduct for a living temple
Maintain modest attire and follow on-site instructions, as this is an active place of worship within a major heritage setting.
Hydration and heat planning
Hampi can be hot; carry water and plan breaks, especially if combining darshan with walking between sites.
Temple Timings
Darshan Schedule
Opening timings
06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Sanctum closed briefly during mid-day bhog offering
Festivals
Temple Calendar Highlights
Feb–Mar • Major annual observance
Maha Shivaratri
Night-long worship and abhishekam cycles draw high pilgrim participation.
Jul–Aug • Monthly observance
Shravana Somvar
Shravana Mondays are observed with Shiva-focused vrata and offerings.
Oct–Nov • Festival period
Kartik Deepam
Lamp-lighting rituals and evening devotion are widely observed.
Temple Knowledge
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Community Notes
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Suggested pilgrim note
Weekday mornings usually have shorter darshan queues than weekends.
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Carry a small cloth bag for footwear token and prasad containers.
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Aarti timings can shift on festival days, so check local notice boards.
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ज्ञ
श्री विरूपाक्ष
Virupaksha Temple Hampi
Additional Resources
Watch
Temple Videos
Titles and links are sourced from temple JSON profile data.
Virupaksha Temple Hampi | Shiva Darshan & History (Vijayanagara Heritage)
Hampi Heritage Walks• 11:18
Watch on YouTubeHampi Virupaksha Temple | Timings, Entry Tips & What to See Nearby
Karnataka Travel Notes• 9:07
Watch on YouTubeVirupaksha Temple Hampi | Morning Aarti Style Darshan Walkthrough
Darshan Diaries India• 13:40
Watch on YouTube