Virupaksha Temple, Hampi –
History
Hampi was
called as Pampa Kshetra, Kishkinta Kshetra and Bhaskara Kshetra during ancient
times. Hampi is considered as part of Dandakaranya and Kishkinta Kshetra of the
Ramayana. Hampi was under the control of Mauryas as evidenced by the presence
of rock edicts of Emperor Ashoka in Udegolam, Nittur and Koppal
nearer to Hampi. Inscriptions from Satavahanas, successors of Mauryan dynasty,
are found in the vicinity of Hirehadagali and Macadony.
The
presence of these inscriptions confirms the region was under the sway of
Satavahanas. A Brahmi inscription and a Terracotta seal dated to 2nd
Century AD were found during excavation here. The region was under the control
of the early dynasties like Kadambas, the Chalukyas of Badami, the Rashtrakuta,
the Chalukyas of Kalyani and the Hoysalas. There are two inscriptions dated to 10th and 11th century
A.D. refer to goddess Pampa.
There
is an inscription dated to Bijjala II of Kalachuri of Kalyani in 1165 AD refers
to Virupaksha. There is another inscription dated to 1236 AD talks about grant
given to temple. There is an inscription dated to 1199 AD can be seen in the
Durga temple, situated on the banks of Manmatha Honda refers to Pampa and
Rachamallesa. This temple was in existence from 7th Century AD.
Evidence
indicates that there were additions made to the temple in the late Chalukyan
and Hoysala periods,
though most of the temple buildings are attributed to the Vijayanagar period. Hampi
was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. The
huge temple building was built by Lakkana Dandesha, a chieftain under the
ruler Deva Raya II of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The temple
reached its golden period during 14th century AD under Vijayanagara
rulers. The temple suffered extensive damages by Muslim invaders in 16th
Century AD. However, the temple survived the Muslim onslaught. The temple went
major renovations at the beginning of 19th Century AD.
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