One of the most captivating and revered temples in Hampi in Karnataka is the Sri Virupaksheshwara Swamy Temple. This temple holds immense spiritual, historical, and religious significance and is considered a sacred pilgrimage site visited by devotees of all backgrounds.
Hampi Virupaksha Temple Story
According to legend, Daksha’s daughter Drakshayini (Sati)
immolated herself in the fire ritual (Yajna) arranged by her father. Deeply
aggrieved, Lord Shiva journeyed south from the Himalayas and sat in
penance at the Hemakuta hills in Hampi. To break his penance, Manmatha
(the god of love) shot flower arrows at him. Shiva, in anger, opened his
third eye and destroyed Manmatha. He later married Parvati (known here as
Pampa Devi) and assumed the divine form of Sri Virupaksha,
characterized by a special “virupa” (third) eye.
He resided in this sacred land, by the banks of the Tungabhadra
River, between five holy hills: Anjana, Malyavanta, Matanga, Rishyamukha,
and Hemakuta. During the Chakshusha Manvantara, he manifested as
a self-born (Swayambhu) Linga, and to this day, he is worshipped as Sri
Virupaksheshwara Swamy.
Ramayana Connection – Kishkindha Kshetra
In the Treta Yuga, this land was known as Kishkindha
Kshetra, where Lord Rama formed a friendship with Sugriva and
spent the Chaturmasya (four holy months). Scriptures mention that Lord
Rama visited this land and had darshan of Virupaksha Swamy.
Skanda Purana and Pampa Mahatme
The greatness of Virupaksha and Pampa Kshetra is
elaborated in the Skanda Purana, authored by Vedavyasa. The
region is also called Pampa Mahatme, signifying its holiness and
ancientness – dating back over 300 Yugas.
Historical Development of Hampi Virupaksha Temple
The Sri Virupaksha Temple was developed over time by:
- Rashtrakutas
- Badami
Chalukyas
- Hoysalas
- Vijayanagara
Kings
During the Vijayanagara period, the temple saw all-around development. The northern side is flanked by the Tungabhadra River, while the other sides are naturally fortified with hills and rock formations, making it a naturally protected citadel. A local legend says that a hare chased away a hound, which was interpreted as a sign to establish a kingdom here. Thus, with blessings from Sri Vidyaranya, Harihara and Bukka founded the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336 AD, aimed at protecting Hindu dharma.
Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple Story History