VELUDHARAN TEMPLES VISIT : Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Ruins, Hampi, Karnataka.

Wednesday, 21 June 2017

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Ruins, Hampi, Karnataka.

19^th June 2017.

During April 2017, while we ( Mr Gireesh, Mr VijayaKumar and Coimbatore friends) undertook the trekking to Velliangiri hills Mr Mr Gireesh told that he will arrange a Heritage Visit to Hampi before leaving Bellary official assignment. Really I was waiting for a chance to see the Hampi ruins. So decided to join with him for this heritage visit. Travel arrangements were made well in advance for this Hampi heritage visit scheduled between 16^th June to 18^th June 2017. We took the Habbali express train for the onward journey from Chennai on 15^th afternoon and returned through NKSRTC bus. When we told our plan some of our friends threatened that the temperature will be high during June. Against the threat of high temperature and the climate was not too hot as expected and second day we got wet by rain for about an hour.

Flawless Travel, Stay at Padma Guest House near Virupaksha Temple, food arrangements and pick up from Railway station and drop at Bus stand were made by Mr Gireesh under the leadership of Mr Rajasekar Pandurangan and his madam Vitya was excellent. My sincere thanks to the organizing team and to my Co-participants.

First day of our visit was to Virupaksha temple, which is one of the living temple in Hampi. The temple is on the southern banks of river Tungabhadra.

Moolavar : Sri Virupaksha

Consort : Sri Pampadevi

Some of the important details are as follows...

The temple is facing east on the southern banks of river Tungabhadra with a 9 tier Rajagopuram called bishtappayya gopura measuring 52.6 meters high. There is also a 2^nd level 3 tier Rajagopuram. Palipedam, Rishabam Mandapam and dwajasthambam are after the 2^nd level Rajagopuram.

In the prakaram sannidhi for Bhuvaneshwari and Pamapadevi, built during 11^th century AD. The pillars of Ambal mandapams are made of soap stones with exquisitely carved. There is a 5 tier Rajagopuram which leads to the temple tank called kanakagiri gopuram built by the chief of that place. The outer prakaram was built with pillared cloisters used for as stores and sub sannadhis.

Mukha mandapam

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, sabha mandapam and a mukha mandapam built like mada temple ( elevated level ). The sanctum outer walls has the reliefs connected to periyapuram and Lord Shiva’s various forms and kumbha panjaras. The vimanam has the stucco images of saivaite deities. The vimanam was built in Dravidian style with sala, Kuta and stupi with kalasa.

The mukha mandapa arch has the stucco images of Shiva & Parvati marriage, Shiva as kalahari murthy, Anantasayana and Mahishamardini.

The ceiling was plastered with lime mortar and paintings of Shiva’s marriage with Ambal, Manmatha vijaya, tripurantaka, and saint Vidyaranya processions, etc were drawn. The pillars has the reliefs various savaite deities and mythological images. The approach from east side in the mukha mandapam has been closed, which will be used during important occasions and the devotees are allowed from north side entrance.

Deepa sthambam, balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam mandapam

An old picture of J Greenlaw -1856

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The temple was built during Hoysala & Chalukya period and various structures were added between 7^th century to 15^th century by the Vijayanagara dynasty. The Mukha mandapa was built with 38 pillars and the same was added in 1510 CE by the King Krishnadevaraya. The temple Shiva is under worship from 7^th century till date without break ( break may be during Bamini and Nayaks wars ).

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 13.00 Hrs and 17.00 Hrs to 21.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS:

The land line telephone number is +91-80-22352828

HOW TO REACH:

The temple is very close to Hampi Bus stand and 12 km from Hospet. Nearest Railway station is Hospet.

Buses are available from Hospet and Bellary.

LOCATION :CLICK HERE