Source: Apadegal

Located on the south bank of the river Tungabadra, just next to where the local bus drops you, Virupaksha temple tells about the Hampi’s history as a sacred place. It believed that this temple has been functioning without interruption ever since its inception in the 7th century AD which makes it one of the oldest functioning temples in India.

 

 

The Virupaksha temple is one of the many that belong to the set of Pattadakal monuments- a collection of Hindu and Jain temples in Karnataka.

All the temples are UNESCO World heritage sites. They depict a unique architecture brought about by blending styles from northern and southern India. Among all the Pattadakal temples, the Virupaksha temple is one of the most artistic monuments where the idol of the main deity was not lost to invaders and is still worshipped in a grand manner to this day.

In the month of December, the temple again celebrates the marriage of Virupaksha and Pampa with a colourful ceremony called 'Phalapuja festival', which attracts a huge crowd of devotees.

Also celebrated is the annual celebration of Shivaratri, a night long prayer in praise of Lord Shiva is also celebrated at the Virupaksha temple. It usually falls in the months of February or March.