The Prasanna Virupaksha Temple, popularly known as the Underground Shiva Temple, is one of the most atmospheric and enigmatic structures within the Hampi UNESCO World Heritage site. Constructed in the 14th century during the early years of the Vijayanagara Empire, it predates many of the city's more famous monuments. Its unique subterranean location and the perpetual presence of water within its walls make it a site of both architectural intrigue and deep spiritual mystery.
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| Underground Shiva temple Virupaksha discoverindiasite.wordpress.com |
Historical and Religious Significance
Dedicated to Prasanna Virupaksha (an avatar of Lord Shiva), the temple is situated near the Noblemen’s Quarters. This proximity, combined with records of extensive donations by King Krishnadevaraya, suggests the temple was used by the royal family for private ceremonies. Remarkably, the temple remained buried under silt for over four centuries before its rediscovery in the 1980s. Unlike the public Virupaksha temple in the Hampi Bazaar, this sanctuary offered a secluded, cooler retreat for royal worship.
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| Entrance to the UG Shiva temple,Hampi discoverindiasite.wordpress.com |
Architectural Unique Features
The temple is built in the classic Vijayanagara style, yet it is defined by its simplicity and its depth.
Subterranean Design: The temple stands several meters below the current ground level, with its roof sitting at par with the surrounding landscape.
The Water Mystery: The garbhagriha (sanctum) and maha mantapa remain partially or fully submerged year-round. It is believed that an underground channel connects the temple to the Tungabhadra River, causing the water level to rise significantly during the monsoon.
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| water-logged underground Shiva temple, explorebees.com |
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| water-logged underground Shiva temple, Hampi discoverindiasite.wordpress.com |
Austere Pillars: Unlike the highly ornate pillars found at the Vittala Temple, the columns here are plain and functional, reflecting an older, more understated aesthetic.
Layout: The structure includes a garbhagriha, antarala, and a massive pillared mukha mantapa. A unique feature is the dhwaja stambha (flagstaff) that pierces through the flat roof to reach the sky above.
Present Condition and Conservation
Now managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the temple is preserved as a "living" ruin. While the inner sanctum is often inaccessible and home to bats, the flooded corridors offer a unique experience for visitors who wade through the sacred water to reach the empty pedestal where the deity once stood. Conservation work focuses on managing the drainage of stagnant water and stabilizing the stone pillars to prevent erosion caused by centuries of submersion.
Karnataka.com - "The Prasanna Virupaksha Underground Shiva Temple."
Longhurst, A.H. (1917). "Hampi Ruins: Described and Illustrated."
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) - Hampi Circle Records.
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