Virupaksha Temple ( Karnataka )

Location: Hampi
Deity: Shiva
Creator: Vijayanagar rulers
Completed: 19th century
Famous for: Erotic carving on the Gopuram.
Style: North Indian nagra style and Dravidian Vimana shaili.

The Virupaksha Temple is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra river at Hampi. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple is abode to one of the forms of Lord Shiva called Virupaksha Which means 'being divine ' or ' Rudra' .

History:  The temple was built by Sri Krishnadevaraya but the temple was commissioned by Lakkan Dandesha who was the chieftain of Deva Raya ll of the Vijaynagar empire under the Vijaynagar rulers, in the middle of the 14th century there began a flowering of native art and culture. Most of the marvelous structures and creations were destroyed by Muslim Invaders in 16th century. In 19th century there were major renovations and additions which included ceiling painting and the towers.

Architecture: The temple was influenced by the kailash parvat which is considered to be the home of Lord Shiva on entering the temple there is a pillar that bears inscription on two languages. The temple has repeated patterns that demonstrate the concept of fractals. The shape of the temple is triangular. Inside the temple there are many pillars that support thousand year-old architecture. Two pillars are famous as they hand  carved stories of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

( Stone carvings on the pillars )

            ( Stone carvings on the Gopuram )
      ( Erotic scluptures on the wall of Gopuram pic. 1 )
                               (  Pic. 2 )
                             ( Pic. 3 )
                                 ( Pic. 4 )
How to reach: 
By air: The closest International Airport from Hampi is Bellary Tourists can take a cab from Bellary to Hampi.
By train: Train from Bangalore Railway Station can take you upto Bellary. The nearest railway station to Virupaksha Temple is Hospet junction.
Timings of the temple: All day of the week 9am to 1pm then 5pm to 9pm.

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