#  Virupaksha Temple

***Virupaksha Temple is one of the oldest and most important Shiva temples in South India, located in the historic town of Hampi on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The temple is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva, and it has been a continuous place of worship for more than 1,300 years.*** 

✍️Historical Importance

The original shrine dates back to around the 7th century CE, long before the rise of the Vijayanagara Empire. 

When Hampi became the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, the temple was expanded greatly between the 13th–16th centuries. 

Even after the destruction of Hampi in 1565, the temple survived and worship has continued without interruption. 

Today it forms part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, declared a **UNESCO** World Heritage Site in **1986.** 

🏛️ Architectural Features

Built in classic Dravidian temple architecture.

The main eastern gopuram (tower) is about 50 meters (160 ft) tall with nine tiers. 

The temple complex includes:

Garbhagriha (sanctum) of Virupaksha

Pillared halls (mandapas)

Several small shrines

Courtyards and gateways

Nandi statue facing the shrine

The ceiling paintings depict scenes from the Ramayana and other Puranic stories. 

🕉️ Religious Significance

Virupaksha is considered the patron deity of the Vijayanagara kings.

The temple is closely associated with Goddess Pampa (Parvati), after whom the region was earlier called Pampa Kshetra. 

It remains the main active temple in Hampi, while many other temples around it are archaeological ruins. 

🎉 Major Festivals

Important festivals celebrated here include:

Virupaksha–Pampa Kalyanam (divine marriage) in December

Annual chariot festival (Rathotsava) in February

Mahashivaratri with large pilgrim gatherings 

🔎 A Unique Scientific Feature

Inside the temple’s Ranga Mandapa, a small opening creates a pinhole-camera effect that projects an inverted image of the main gopuram on the wall—an impressive example of ancient optical knowledge.

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Virupaksha temple🤲,Hampi .. 🌎unesco Heritage too .. what a amazing infra and pinhole technology!! 💜