Shri Virupaksha Temple in Karnataka
Karanataka state constitutes a great ancient temple with its rich architectural structure which is known as Virupaksha Temple near Hampi. This temple is a group of monuments at Hampi which is about 350 km away from Bangalore city. Shri Virupaksha Temple is considered as the most scared temple over the centuries and is the main pilgrimage center at Hampi in Karnataka.
Shri Virupaksha Temple in Karnataka enshrines Lord Shiva who is known as Virupaksha by devotees. This Virupaksha Temple consists of, three ante chambers, an open pillared hall, a pillared hall, a pillared cloister, courtyards, a sanctum, entrance gateways, smaller shrines and other structures surround the temple.
The Virupaksha Temple has brick superstructure and a two-tiered stone base which gives access to the outer court which enshrines other many gods. The temple has got the nine-tiered eastern gateway of about 50 meters which is well-proportioned. And the smaller eastern gateway of Virupaksha Temple leads to the inner court with many smaller shrines.
Shri Virupaksha Temple has a great thing to observe is that Tungabhadra River flows along the temple’s terrace through a narrow channel and then descends to the temple-kitchen and out through the outer court. The Virupaksha Temple attracts large number of pilgrims for the betrothal and marriage festivities during the month of December and in the month of February there will be a annual chariot festival celebrated in this temple of Shri Virupaksha.
History of Shri Virupaksha Temple:
The Virupaksha Temple is a very ancient temple dated of 7th century which holds uninterrupted historic occasions. The temple has undergone many major renovations in early 19th century and includes many additions made to the temple such as ceiling paintings, renovation of towers of the north and east gopura.
King of Vijayanagara Empire Shri Krishnadevaraya who was very famous king in the Indian history has played major role by supporting this Virupaksha Temple in its renovation and additions.