The Virupaksha or the Pampapathi temple is the main center of pilgrimage at Hampi and the most famous and oldest temple housing the deity of Shiva, known here as Virupaksha or Pampapati, and Goddesses Pampa or Bhuvaneshwari. It is located on the foothills of Hemakuta, and dates back to the 15th century, though some parts of the temple are as old as the 11th or 12th century.
It is situated in picturesque surroundings on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra river to the north of Hemkuta hill.
Virupaksha temple with its 50 m high gopuram, stands majestically in Hampi depicting the architectural and cultural heritage of South India. The eastern gateway of the temple is a marvel of engineering skill.
The major attractions here in the hall paving way to the sanctorum are the beautiful carvings of animals and the painting with stories from Hindu mythology. Colossal pillared halls are the spectacular and typical feature of this temple.
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