The Virupaksha temple stands a living testimony to the horrors suffered by the once grand Hampi and the Vijaynagar empire. It stands orphaned from the cruel medieval history of the atrocities inflicted by the Deccan Sultanates after the Battle of Talikota.
What is the History of the Virupaksha Temple?
The temple is dedicated to one of the most important Hindu gods, Lord Shiva. The worship of Shiva in and near Hampi dates back much further in the past (9th-10th centuries). The establishment of the back to back Vijaynagar kingdoms since the 14th century gave a deeper structure and turned the place to a center of pilgrimage.
The Virupaksha temple dates back to somewhere around the 15th century, placing its age somewhere around 500 years old. The temple remains active today. An active temple is one where religious ceremonies continue to take place and the Divine is continued to be worshiped in the form of the Deity of the temple.
It was built during the reign of King Deva Raya II (reigned 1422-1446 CE, different from the legendary Krishna Deva Raya of the same empire). A chieftain Lakkana Dandesha during Deva Raya II’s played an instrumental role in the construction of the temple.
What are some of the important features of the Virupaksha Temple?
When you visit the temple, you MUST be aware of the following:
The Gopuram
The Nine-Storied Gopuram (Gateway): Temples in Southern India typically have a majestic entrance that span multiple tiers or stories. These are called Gopurams.
The temple has a majestic 9-storied Gopuram rising majestically skywards. You will walk past it when you enter the temple compound. The Gopuram stands 50 meters tall (!)
While the temple itself was built during Deva Raya II in the 15th century, this gopuram was constructed by the legendary Krishna Deva Raya in the 16th centure, probably a century after the temple was built.
Each tier of the gopuram is believed to represent a cosmic plane. Ascending the tiers symbolically signifies the devotee’s journey towards spiritual enlightenment.
The gopuram is adorned with hundreds of intricate sculptures depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology.
The construction of the gopuram employed sophisticated architectural techniques like corbelled construction (using interlocking stones to create a self-supporting structure) and decorative columns. These techniques not only provided structural stability but also added aesthetic appeal.
The gopuram is primarily built with granite, a sturdy and weather-resistant material. The intricate carvings and sculptures showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of the Vijayanagara artisans.
Like many unique phenomenon that arise because of certain architectural uniqueness of many temples, likewise in the Viruapaksha temple, during specific times of the day, the inverted shadow of the gopuram falls onto a specific wall inside the temple complex. This phenomenon is attributed to the precise positioning of the tower and is considered an auspicious sight by some devotees.
Elaborate Mandapas (Halls)
The temple complex houses several mandapas (pillared halls), each with unique architectural styles and purposes. Other mandapas served as venues for religious ceremonies, music performances, and gatherings.
Exquisite Sculptures and Art
The temple walls and ceilings are adorned with a rich tapestry of sculptures and paintings. These artworks depict various deities, mythological stories, floral patterns, and geometric designs. The craftsmanship and attention to detail showcased in these artworks are truly remarkable.
Central Sanctum and Shrines
The central sanctum houses the deity Shiva, worshipped as Virupaksha (meaning “one with fierce eyes“). Other smaller shrines within the complex are dedicated to various deities like Parvati (Shiva’s consort), Bhuvaneshwari (considered an aspect of Parvati), and Virupaksha’s sons.
It is possible that the central / inner sanctum is open only for Hindus since it is a place for worship and has associated beliefs. However, the broader complex is open to all. The locals should be able to guide on this matter.
Lakshmi: The beloved Temple Elephant
The temple elephant at the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, India is named Lakshmi. She is a female Asian elephant and has been associated with the temple for many years.
Lakshmi is considered sacred by the temple devotees and is believed to bring good luck and fortune. She is often seen blessing devotees at the entrance of the temple, in exchange for donations. She has morning baths in the Tungabhadra River, which is very accessible through one of the gateways of the temple.
The Tungabhadra River
The Virupaksha temple is located right on the banks of the Tungabhadra river. The river is rocky but very close to the temple. The other side of the river opens up to the legendary place Kishkindha, the place where a critical portion of the Ramayana happened. It is one of the most important Hindu places though, it does not benefit from a proportionate popularity.
(Thankful to https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a2/View_of_the_Virupaksha_temple_complex_from_Hemakuta_hill.JPG for the featured image)
