Virupaksha kovil pattdakkal, a group of monuments at hampi- karnataka

Virupaksha kovil, one of the world heritage site of UNESCO

Virupaksha kovil is dedicate to lord shiva located at Hampi of Karnataka, this is the historical monument in india. this is a combination of hindu and jain temple at north of karnataka state. it was built around 7th century, UNESCO added this site to the world heritage list. it look like kailasanatha temple at kanchipuram. the main sanctum is situated on square floor, the main sanctum locating towards east direction. there are many inscriptions in the temple walls, these are varying from small to huge ones, the sculptures says the story of king vikramadithya. nandi mandapa is located at the east direction of the temple.

Virupaksha car festival is the most celebrated festival at this temple, which usually holds in march or april, the procession of the shrine on the chariot is the star attraction of this festival. this is considered as the holy marriage festival of shiva and sakthi. virupaksha car festival is the annual festival at virupaksha kovil. sivarathri and diwali are also well celebrated here. The whole of the interior of this temple is embellished with elegant carvings and aesthetically modeled sculptures. virupksha kovil is a most visited sacred temple in india by thousands of devotees from the whole country.

The pillars are the highlight at the temple, there are some inscriptions which has the back ground from the episodes of great epics ramayana and bhagavatha. kovil located at pattadakkal can be easily accessible from all places of the state. The nearest airport is at Belgaum, located about 180 km from Pattadakal. Badami is the nearest rail head, located about 22 km from Pattadakal. Trains from places like Solapur and Ahmedabad halt at the station. Pattadakal is well connected by road. State-run buses ply regularly from Bengaluru, Bijapur, Hubli and Belgaum.