The Underground Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Prasanna Virupaksha and was built many meters below the ground level. For this reason, almost all the time the sanctum and the core parts of the temple are under water, restricting entry to the inner areas.
About The Underground Temple :
This large Underground Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Prasanna Virupaksha and was built many meters below the ground level. For this reason, almost all the time the sanctum and the core parts of the temple are under water, restricting entry to the inner areas. A water canal system too is visible around the main temple. But this canal is dry and you can walk down to a point from where it’s impossible to go further.
Your entry to the temple passes through the main tower in front of the temple campus. A series of wide large steps along the axis of the tower and the sanctum leads you to the inner part of the temple. The main hall in front of the shrine is huge with massive cubical pillars supporting the roof. The lamppost actually protrudes through the roof. Depending upon the water level you may be able to proceed to the sanctum area.
Attractions Of The Underground Temple at Hampi, Karnataka :
Travellers visiting Hampi cannot afford to miss the Underground Temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva (Prasanna Virupaksha). This temple has been constructed below ground level, and the main segments and sanctum of the site remain under water most of the time. Entry to the inner regions has been restricted, though a dry canal allows tourists to enter the structure to a point.
The Underground Temple has been regarded as one of the oldest temples in Hampi and is a popular tourist attraction. The site is situated in proximity of the Noblemen’s Quarters near the main road, close to Hampi bus stand. Visitors can get access to the temple via the main tower that is situated in front of the campus.
Large steps and the sanctum will lead visitors to the inside of the Underground Temple. The main hall is located in front of the shrine along with cubicle pillars that are supporting the roof. Travellers can get the chance to visit the sanctum area according to the water level at the given point of time. The temple is surrounded by a beautiful lawn.
Features The Underground Temple at Hampi :
- This temple of Lord Shiva is built many meters below the ground level. And so the parts of the temple are submerged in water. This is located close to the main road to Hampi. There is a nice lawn built around the temple. There are two towers of two storeys facing east.
- Hampi, the UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the seat of the Hindu Kingdom Vijayanagara. It is situated on the southern bank of Tungabhadra River at Hospet village in Belleri district, Karnataka state, India.
- There is a beautiful lawn built around the temple. Usually a less crowded location, the outside of this temple can be surveyed by going around this lawn.
- It has been believed that this is one of the oldest temples in Hampi.The Underground temple is located somewhat close to the main road and near the Noblemen’s Quarters. A byroad going towards the Hazara Rama Temple passes through this area.
- There is no admission fee at the Underground Temple. It closes in the evening and about half-an-hour to an hour is what you?ll need to properly explore the campus.