India Guide
Karnataka
Virupaksha temple
Address: Hampi Bazaar
Price: Rs2
Opening time: Daily 8am–12.30pm & 3–6.30pm; worship 6.30–8am & 6.30–8pm
Dedicated to a local form of Shiva known as Virupaksha or Pampapati, the functioning Virupaksha temple (; Rs2) dominates Hampi Bazaar, drawing a steady flow of pilgrims from all over southern India. Also known as Sri Virupaksha Swami, the temple is free for all who come for arati (worship). The complex consists of two courts, each entered through a towered gopura.
A colonnade surrounds the inner court, usually filled with pilgrims dozing and singing religious songs. On entering, if the temple elephant, Lakshmi, is around, you can get her to bless you by placing a rupee in her trunk. In the middle the principal temple is approached through a mandapa hallway whose carved columns feature rearing animals. Rare Vijayanagar-era paintings on the mandapa ceiling include aspects of Shiva, a procession with the sage Vidyaranya, the ten incarnations of Vishnu, and scenes from the Mahabharata.