V
UNESCO World Heritage
ASI Protected
Virupaksha Temple (Hampi)
Hampi, Karnataka
7th - 16th Century CE
The principal temple of the Vijayanagara capital and one of the oldest functioning temples in India. Originally a small shrine from the 7th century Chalukya period, it was vastly expanded under Krishnadevaraya in the 16th century with a massive 50-meter gopuram. It remains the only active temple at Hampi.
Source: Aitihasik heritage database. Use this as a field guide and verify sensitive historical claims before citation.
Details
- Dynasty
- Vijayanagara
- Style
- Dravidian (Vijayanagara)
- Primary Deity
- Shiva (Virupaksha / Pampapathi)
- Languages
- Kannada, Sanskrit
- Scripts
- Old Kannada, Sanskrit
Historical Significance
Principal and oldest temple at the Vijayanagara capital. Only active temple among the Hampi ruins. Has been in continuous worship for over 1300 years. Expanded greatly under the legendary king Krishnadevaraya
Architectural Features
50-meter eastern gopuramLarge pillared hall with ornate columnsRanga Mandapa with carved pillarsInner courtyard enclosuresPinhole camera effect projects inverted gopuram image on wall