ವಿರೂಪಾಕ್ಷ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Shiva (Virupaksha) temple · Hampi, Vijayanagara, Karnataka, India
The Virupaksha Temple at Hampi, in Vijayanagara district, Karnataka, is dedicated to Shiva as Virupaksha and his consort Pampadevi. It is the only temple at Hampi still used for worship, according to the district administration, and lies within UNESCO's 'Group of Monuments at Hampi' World Heritage Site.
Faith & Tradition
Pampa is the goddess of the Tungabhadra river, and Hampi itself is named in her honour, according to the University of Pennsylvania Museum's Vijayanagara Research Project. The cult of Virupaksha-Pampa did not die out after the destruction of the Vijayanagara capital.
UNESCO notes that the temple's continuous worship has led to many additions and alterations within the complex, and that festivals, temple rituals and pilgrimage remain an integral part of the site.
Heritage
Parts of the temple predate the Vijayanagara empire (district administration). The Penn Museum project notes that the Tuluva kings of Vijayanagara greatly extended the temple. Hampi was devastated after the battle of Talikota, after which many of the city's original functions became obsolete (UNESCO).
The temple's nine-storeyed gopuram towers above the other structures at Hampi, and the ceiling of the Ranga Mantapa is painted with scenes from the epics and Puranas (district administration).
Plan Your Visit
The temple is a living place of worship inside a World Heritage Site; follow temple and site rules and confirm timings locally.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 5 October 2026.
Location
Hosapete railway station is about 12 km from Hampi; Jindal Vijayanagar Airport is about 38 km away (district administration).
Location: Hampi, Vijayanagara, Karnataka, India
Nearest airport: Jindal Vijayanagar Airport (about 38 km)
Nearest railway station: Hosapete (about 12 km)
More in Hindu temples in Karnataka · Shiva (Virupaksha) temples
Questions
At Hampi in Vijayanagara district, Karnataka.
Shiva as Virupaksha, with his consort Pampadevi.
Yes; it is the only temple at Hampi still used for worship.
From Pampa, the goddess of the Tungabhadra river and consort of Virupaksha.
A nine-storeyed gopuram and a painted Ranga Mantapa ceiling.
Further reading: Virupaksha Temple, Hampi on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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