VIRUPAKSH TEMPLE,HAMPI

PRESENTED BY:-POOJA RATHOD

• Virupaksha temple is located on the south bank of river Tungabhadra.

• This area in general has been an important pilgrimage centre for the worshipers of lord Shiva.

• Its inception in the 7th century AD. Virupaksha-Pampa sanctuary.

• Started in Vijaynagara period,began a flowering art.

the triple headed Nandi

entrance tower

plan

first courtyard

Ranga Mandapa.A corridor

the middle of the court

• The main entrance tower of Virupaksha Temple is east facing and 9 storied tower with a pair of cow horn like projections on top .

• The lower two tiers is made of decorated stone work.

• Superstructure is made with brick and mortar.

• The exterior of the first tier spots many interesting stucco figures.

• The main temple is east facing and has two large courtyards, one leading to the other.

• The first courtyard has a pillared hall called 100-column hall at the far left corner, Kalyanamantapa at the far right corner.

• Both sets of pillars stand 10-15 feet high and appear to be carved out of a single block of stone.

• Just next to left immediately after entered, the triple headed Nandi (bull statue).

• Behind this the wall is painted with a large map of Hampi

• Further east the second three storied tower built in 1510 AD.

• The tower gives access to the inner court.

In the middle of the court, the axis facing the main shrine •lamp post,

•the Balipitas

•a flag post

•a whitewashed pavilion in which two Nandi(bull)status are positioned.

• In the open area in the center there is a pillared cloisters leaving gaps at the north, south and east edges for a series of sub shrines.

• The front portion has a row of decorated pillars.

• The lion figure carved at the base of each of these pillars supporting the slender upper portions.

• The central pillared hall known as the Ranga Mandapa.

• Pair of elephant balustrades at the middle of the row gives access to the top of the cloister platform.

• This hall with 5 aisles and 38 pillars is used for temple rituals including the marriage ceremonies.

• The highlights include rows of pillars shaped with ion like mythical creatures (Yalis) standing on aquatic creatures (Crocodiles).

• Further west, beyond a small inner hall, is the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Virupaksha.

• Two 4 armed guardian deities, about 8 feet tall, stand on either side of the entrance to the inner hall.

• The ceiling of this inner hall is decorated with an open lotus motif• The sanctum contains the idol in

the form of a Linga

• A corridor surrounds the sanctum.

• The sub shrines are that of Goddess Pampa and Bhuvaneswari towards the north of the main shrine.

• The short circular pillars and the doorways and the ceiling are richly carved.

• A bit east along the cloister, a flight of leading to an underground chamber.

• This contains the shrine of Pataleswara

• Further east is the shrine of the planetary deities are arranged on an elevated platform.

• Behind the main sanctum a flight of steps leads to the rear exit of the temple complex.