Virupaksha Temple, Hampi – History

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 2^nd 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 10^th and 11^th 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 7^th 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 14^th century AD under Vijayanagara rulers. The temple suffered extensive damages by Muslim invaders in 16^th Century AD. However, the temple survived the Muslim onslaught. The temple went major renovations at the beginning of 19^th Century AD.