Place · subterranean Shaiva temple · India
Underground Shiva Temple, Hampi
Also known as Prasanna Virupaksha Temple
The Underground Shiva Temple — Prasanna Virupaksha — stands at the north edge of the Royal Centre at Hampi, its garbhagriha (sanctum) and antarala (vestibule) sunk about three metres below the surrounding ground level, so that the inner sanctum sits in groundwater through the monsoon months. Dedicated to Shiva as Prasanna Virupaksha ('the gracious Virupaksha'); contemporary with the main Virupaksha Temple but built for the royal household rather than public worship. The water-logged floor and reduced visibility inside are deliberate, invoking the kaivalya darshan — a Shaiva practice of inward turning.
- Date
- 1400–1450
- Periods
- Vijayanagara
- Function
- Sacred site & pilgrimage
- Patron dynasty
- Vijayanagara
- Confidence
- Established / referenced
- Location
- 15.340, 76.468
Connections (1)
- Site withinHampi / Vijayanagara
The Underground Shiva Temple (Prasanna Virupaksha) stands at the north edge of the Royal Centre at Hampi, its sanctum sunk three metres below ground so that the inner garbhagriha stands in groundwater through the monsoon. A deliberately subterranean royal Shaiva shrine, contemporary with the main Virupaksha Temple of the city.