About Virupaksha Temple
Virupaksha Temple is an ancient Shiva temple in Hampi, Karnataka, and the spiritual heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Virupaksha, together with his consort Pampa Devi, a local form of Parvati linked with the Tungabhadra river. While most of Hampi lies in ruins, Virupaksha has remained in continuous worship for centuries. Its towering eastern gopuram rises above Hampi Bazaar and is the first sight that greets most visitors.
The shrine's origins go back to well before the Vijayanagara Empire, with small shrines here believed to date from around the 7th century. It grew greatly under the Vijayanagara kings from the 14th to 16th centuries, when Hampi was their capital. Emperor Krishnadevaraya added a pillared hall and an inner gateway in the early 16th century. After the empire fell in 1565 the city was destroyed, but worship at Virupaksha continued. Legend says Pampa won Shiva's hand here through her devotion.
The main eastern gopuram, about 50 metres tall, leads into large courtyards with pillared halls, smaller shrines and a temple kitchen channel fed by the river. The Ranga Mandapa has richly carved pillars and painted ceilings showing scenes from the epics. In one dark chamber, light through a small opening projects an inverted image of the gopuram onto the wall, like a pinhole camera.
Virupaksha Temple timings & aarti
Usually open about 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Puja | Early morning, after opening |
| Midday Puja | Around noon |
| Evening Puja | Around sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Virupaksha Temple
By air
Jindal Vijaynagar Airport (Toranagallu) is about 35–40 km away; Hubballi Airport is about 160 km away.
By train
Hosapete Junction is about 13 km away.
By road
Frequent buses and autos run from Hosapete to Hampi Bazaar, which ends at the temple.
Festivals at Virupaksha Temple
- Virupaksha Car Festival (Rathotsava)Mar/Apr
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Phalapuja (betrothal of Virupaksha and Pampa)Nov/Dec
- Hampi UtsavVaries (usually winter)
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended.
- Entry
- Open to all; there is generally no fee for darshan, though a small camera fee may apply. Footwear must be left outside.
- Look for the inverted pinhole image of the gopuram in the chamber at the rear of the temple.
- Visit early morning before the heat and tour groups arrive.
- Combine your visit with Hemakuta Hill next door for sunset views.
- Carry water and sun protection when exploring the wider ruins.
Places to visit near Virupaksha Temple
- Hemakuta HillEarly temples and sunset views, right beside the temple
- Matanga HillPopular sunrise viewpoint, about 1 km away
- Vittala TempleFamous Stone Chariot and musical pillars, about 3 km away
- Lotus Mahal and Zenana EnclosureRoyal buildings, about 3 km away
- Anjanadri HillBelieved birthplace of Hanuman, across the river, about 5–8 km away
Frequently asked questions
What are the Virupaksha Temple Hampi timings?
It is usually open about 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Check locally for festival changes.
Is there an entry fee for Virupaksha Temple?
Darshan is generally free. A small camera fee may be charged.
What is the pinhole camera effect at Virupaksha Temple?
Light entering a small opening in a dark chamber projects an upside-down image of the main gopuram onto the wall, much like a pinhole camera.
Is Virupaksha Temple still active?
Yes. It is one of the few temples in Hampi where daily worship has continued for centuries.
What is the aarti time at Virupaksha Temple?
Morning Puja: Early morning, after opening; Midday Puja: Around noon; Evening Puja: Around sunset. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Virupaksha Temple?
Modest traditional clothing recommended.
How to reach Virupaksha Temple?
By air: Jindal Vijaynagar Airport (Toranagallu) is about 35–40 km away; Hubballi Airport is about 160 km away. By train: Hosapete Junction is about 13 km away. By road: Frequent buses and autos run from Hosapete to Hampi Bazaar, which ends at the temple.
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