<p>Sri Virupaksheshwara Swamy Temple is located in a small hamlet called Virupakshi, about 4 km from Mulbagal town in Kolar district.<br /><br /></p>.<p> This temple was built in the 13th Century by Chieftain Lakkana Dandesha of Muluvai province during the reign of Devaraya II of the Vijayanagar dynasty. <br /><br />The architecture looks like a miniature version of the Hampi Virupaksha Temple. There are two lingas here, which are believed to have been worshiped by Atri Maharshi. <br /><br />The gopuram of the Temple was constructed in such a way that on Rathasapthami day, the rays of the sun fall on the linga in the sanctum sanctorum. There are also other temples dedicated to Prasanna Ganapathi, Kamakshi Ammanavaru and Bhagalamukhi Amma (Durga). <br /><br />The Temple and courtyard were built in the architectural style of temples of Hampi. More specifically, the three-storied gopuram and carvings of nartakis and roaring lions emulated the typical style of the Vijayanagar empire. <br /><br />The engravings on the Temple corridors are delightful. We may also find Kannada inscriptions on the walls of this Temple. The inscription gives details about the charitable acts of the rulers of Vijayanagar. During the rule of Vijayanagar kings, several villages were attached to this Temple and supervised by the head priest of the Temple. <br /><br />But later, the British separated it from the Temple’s control. This might have even resulted in loss of revenue to the Temple.<br /><br />The outer compound wall has sculptures of fish, birds and human beings. There is also a pushkarani, kalyana mantapa and a place to rest on the outer circumference of the Temple. The pillars have carvings of mythological creatures and animals. <br /><br />There is also an Ammavara Temple with a srichakra in the vicinity, which is said to have been founded by Jagadguru Shankaracharya. <br /><br />But unfortunately, the Temple complex has not been maintained properly and is evidence to show the massive negligence associated with less publicised ancient monuments in the country. <br /><br />I was informed by the person present in the Temple that members of a certain family are pooling money to organise rathotsava and that they have received barely any assistance, either from the government or the Archeological Survey of India. <br /><br />But, this monument requires urgent attention from governmental bodies to restore the lost glory and also preserve the great heritage. <br /><br /></p>
<p>Sri Virupaksheshwara Swamy Temple is located in a small hamlet called Virupakshi, about 4 km from Mulbagal town in Kolar district.<br /><br /></p>.<p> This temple was built in the 13th Century by Chieftain Lakkana Dandesha of Muluvai province during the reign of Devaraya II of the Vijayanagar dynasty. <br /><br />The architecture looks like a miniature version of the Hampi Virupaksha Temple. There are two lingas here, which are believed to have been worshiped by Atri Maharshi. <br /><br />The gopuram of the Temple was constructed in such a way that on Rathasapthami day, the rays of the sun fall on the linga in the sanctum sanctorum. There are also other temples dedicated to Prasanna Ganapathi, Kamakshi Ammanavaru and Bhagalamukhi Amma (Durga). <br /><br />The Temple and courtyard were built in the architectural style of temples of Hampi. More specifically, the three-storied gopuram and carvings of nartakis and roaring lions emulated the typical style of the Vijayanagar empire. <br /><br />The engravings on the Temple corridors are delightful. We may also find Kannada inscriptions on the walls of this Temple. The inscription gives details about the charitable acts of the rulers of Vijayanagar. During the rule of Vijayanagar kings, several villages were attached to this Temple and supervised by the head priest of the Temple. <br /><br />But later, the British separated it from the Temple’s control. This might have even resulted in loss of revenue to the Temple.<br /><br />The outer compound wall has sculptures of fish, birds and human beings. There is also a pushkarani, kalyana mantapa and a place to rest on the outer circumference of the Temple. The pillars have carvings of mythological creatures and animals. <br /><br />There is also an Ammavara Temple with a srichakra in the vicinity, which is said to have been founded by Jagadguru Shankaracharya. <br /><br />But unfortunately, the Temple complex has not been maintained properly and is evidence to show the massive negligence associated with less publicised ancient monuments in the country. <br /><br />I was informed by the person present in the Temple that members of a certain family are pooling money to organise rathotsava and that they have received barely any assistance, either from the government or the Archeological Survey of India. <br /><br />But, this monument requires urgent attention from governmental bodies to restore the lost glory and also preserve the great heritage. <br /><br /></p>
