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The Underground Shiva Temple, is a secret temple in Hampi. Also called the Prasanna Virupaksha Temple, it is one of Hampi’s earliest structures.
The temple has had a long, illustrious history as one of city’s most important landmarks. The temple is easy to locate as it is found by the main road leading to the Hampi bus terminal.
A must in any 3 days Hampi itinerary, check my Hampi travel guide to plan your trip. The Prasanna Virupaksha Temple has played an important role in Hampi’s history.
As far back as the 14th century AD, there was a temple in the area. Within the temple’s walls is a shrine devoted to Shiva’s incarnation Prasanna Virupaksha. Located in the center of a lush green field that surrounds it, the temple is a tranquil retreat.
The temple was unearthed in the 1980s after having been buried for approximately 400 years. Because of the temple’s proximity to the royal apartments, it is possible that the royal family of Vijayanagara performed rites here.
As the Prasanna Virupaksha temple is built one level below ground, it is popularly known as Underground Shiva temple. The temple’s roof is at the same level as the surrounding ground, and whole foundation is laid on a low-lying area. It’s unclear why the temple was built in such a location.
As it rains heavily from May to August, the mantapas and other sections of the temple complex get submerged, making it impossible to see anything. Naturally, the temple is closed to visitors during the monsoon season.
Various stories about the temple’s peculiarity abuzz in the surrounding community. It is stated that the temple has inlet drawing naturally during the rainy season.
The water source for the temple is the Tungabhadra River. Hence, when the dam’s water is released, the temple get completely submerged.
Along with its simple design, the temple is set in a spacious courtyard that is completely enclosed by a protective wall.
The great pillared hall of the temple is reached through a flight of stairs leading from the main tower. The temple contains a garbhagriha and an antarala, among other things. Both an aradha mantapa and a maha mantapa may be seen within the temple complex.
The maha mantapa and mukha mantapa are interconnected through a central corridor. Most Hampi temples have beautifully carved and inlaid pillars, however the pillars of this temple are plain and unadorned, in contrast to the other temples in Hampi.
The Prasanna Virupaksha Temple, like the rest of Hampi, is in disrepair, and therefore does not stand out. It’s clear that the temple is in desperate need of some repair. The inner sanctum used to have an idol of Shiva but pedestal stands empty today.
During the summer months, visitors are authorized to visit various portions of the temple. The inner sanctuary, on the other hand, is permanently submerged. During the rainy season, several portions of the temple are inaccessible due to rising water levels, which makes it difficult to visit.
Simple in their appearance, the stone pillars doesn’t have ornate decoration on them. In the dimly lit sanctum, there is nothing to be seen, the bats have taken over the temple’s inside.