Mystery of the Underground Shiva Temple in Hampi
The temple dates back to the 14th century AD and is dedicated to Prasanna Virupaksha, an avatar of Lord Shiva.
NewsBharati 16-Mar-2022 17:41:21 PM
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Hampi is an entire world in itself, as every piece of structure has mythology entwined in it within history. You can go on exploring and it won't end. Each stone, each pillar, each structure has something to give here. We can only wonder how such a city was built and the time it took to create such a masterpiece. Today, let us explore one such architectural marvel which is known as the Underground Shiva Temple in Hampi.
The Underground Shiva Temple is near to Noblemen's Quarters and very near to Hampi Main Bus Stand. You can see this temple en route to Hazara Rama Temple.
History | The Prasanna Virupaksha temple dates back to the 14th century AD. The temple is dedicated to Prasanna Virupaksha, an avatar of Lord Shiva. The temple stands amidst a beautiful lawn covered in green.
The temple has remained buried for over four hundred years before it was discovered in the 1980’s decade. It is believed that Vijayanagara ruler Krishnadevaraya had donated extensively to this temple.
History | The Prasanna Virupaksha temple dates back to the 14th century AD. The temple is dedicated to Prasanna Virupaksha, an avatar of Lord Shiva. The temple stands amidst a beautiful lawn covered in green.
The temple has remained buried for over four hundred years before it was discovered in the 1980’s decade. It is believed that Vijayanagara ruler Krishnadevaraya had donated extensively to this temple.
An inscription on a slab in a mantap records of grant to temple by Sri Krishnadevaraya in 1513 on the occasion of his coronation.
Not much is known about the origins of the temple, except that Vijayanagara King Krishnadevaraya donated Nagalpura and other villages to it, so that the villagers could worship and make offerings to God for the merit of his parents Narsa Nayaka & Nagajidevi.
Not much is known about the origins of the temple, except that Vijayanagara King Krishnadevaraya donated Nagalpura and other villages to it, so that the villagers could worship and make offerings to God for the merit of his parents Narsa Nayaka & Nagajidevi.
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Since it is near to Noblemen's quarters, the temple is believed to be a private shrine for the members of Vijayanagar Royal family only. Once upon a time the inner sanctum is said to have been a linga. Today, the inner sanctum is empty and is always submerged in water. Visitors can only explore inside during the summer. No one can go inside during the monsoon months from August to October as the water level will be high. However, the inner sanctum does remain submerged throughout the year.
Interesting Facts about the Underground Shiva Temple | As the name suggests, this temple is constructed below the ground level. Here Lord Shiva is called as Prasanna Virupaksha. Therefore, it is alternately known as Prasanna Virupaksha Temple in Hampi. It is not just an underground temple but also lies underwater! The inner portions of the shrine are always filled with water. According to theories, it is the water of Tungabhadra River that flows inside through a canal.
Since it is near to Noblemen's quarters, the temple is believed to be a private shrine for the members of Vijayanagar Royal family only. Once upon a time the inner sanctum is said to have been a linga. Today, the inner sanctum is empty and is always submerged in water. Visitors can only explore inside during the summer. No one can go inside during the monsoon months from August to October as the water level will be high. However, the inner sanctum does remain submerged throughout the year.
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Architecture | Prasanna Virupaksha Temple has a simple and elegant design. It has the main hall, Ardha Mantapa (courtyard), Garbhagriha (inner sanctum) along with antharala (a hall leading to inner sanctum). Not many carvings can be seen on the pillars or inside the actual temple. However, it is believed that the shrine was used for private ceremonies.
The Temple does not have a Gopura but consists of a flat roof. Visitors have to climb down the stairs to reach the temple from the entrance. The temple is surrounded by a lush lawn where visitors can relax and enjoy their time.
A series of wide large steps along the axis of the tower and the sanctum leads you to the inner temple. The main hall in front of the shrine is huge with massive cubical pillars supporting the roof. The lamppost actually protrudes through the roof. Depending upon the water level you may be able to proceed to the sanctum area.
For this reason, the sanctum and the core parts of the temple are under water most of the times, restricting entry to the inner areas.
For this reason, the sanctum and the core parts of the temple are under water most of the times, restricting entry to the inner areas.
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A water canal system too is visible around the main temple. But this canal is dry and you can walk down to a point from where it’s impossible to go further. There is a small temple for Siva’s consort too near the mail shrine. The Kalyanamantapa (ceremonial marriage hall) is a great looking structure. It has been believed that this is one of the oldest temples in Hampi.
How To Reach the Temple | The shrine is very near to the Hampi main road and you can easily find this temple on the way to Hazara Rama Temple. The Underground Shiva Temple is definitely one of the unique tourist attractions in Hampi. Please don't miss out on the beautiful architectural wonder.
Kinjal Dixit
Kinjal Dixit has a degree in bachelors in English and is currently pursuing her Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication. She has a hand at writing about infrastructure, culture and in sharing humanitarian stories.