With DharmikVibes – A Divine Spiritual Journey Through Time
Hidden in the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire lies Virupaksha Temple, the eternal abode of Lord Shiva, in the mystic town of Hampi, Karnataka. Revered as one of the oldest continuously operating temples in India, this spiritual marvel dates back to the 7th century CE and continues to inspire awe with its unbroken rituals, rich heritage, and breathtaking architecture.
Known as “The Lost City of Gods,” Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where myth, history, and devotion coalesce to create an unforgettable experience for seekers, travelers, and devotees alike.
Why You Must Visit Virupaksha Temple
- Oldest Living Temple: Active for over 1300 years, surviving invasions and time.
- Spiritual Significance: Dedicated to Lord Virupaksha (Shiva), consort of Goddess Pampa Devi.
- Architectural Wonder: The 160-foot gopuram, carved mandapams, murals, and sacred chambers evoke divine craftsmanship.
- Vibrant Festivals: Celebrations like Pampa Devi Utsav, Mahashivratri, and Chariot Festivals elevate the sacred energy.
- Sacred Geography: Nestled on the banks of Tungabhadra River, surrounded by ancient ruins, Hanuman hill, and sacred temples.
Interesting Facts
- The temple is part of the mythical Kishkindha, linked to Ramayana, where Lord Rama met Hanuman.
- The shadow of the main gopuram is inverted naturally on the western wall of a sanctum, a rare architectural phenomenon.
- Elephants are still used in rituals, echoing ancient traditions.
- Purandara Dasa, the father of Carnatic music, composed many of his bhajans here.
- It survived even after Hampi was devastated in the 16th century — a living symbol of devotion.
Key Places to Visit Around Virupaksha Temple
- Hampi Bazaar – Traditional street leading to the temple.
- Tungabhadra River – Ideal for coracle rides and holy dips.
- Hemakuta Hill Temples – Sunrise point with serene views and temple ruins.
- Vittala Temple – Famous for its stone chariot and musical pillars.
- Achyutaraya Temple – Less crowded, with exquisite ruins.
- Matanga Hill – For panoramic views and spiritual meditation.
- Anjanadri Hill – Believed to be Hanuman’s birthplace.
🔱 Rituals & Pujas to Perform
- Abhishekam to Lord Virupaksha (Morning & Evening)
- Kumkuma Archana for Goddess Pampa Devi
- Rudrabhisheka for spiritual healing and blessings
- Panchamrita Snanam and special VIP Darshan
- Satyanarayan Puja (On Full Moon days)
- Go-Puja (Cow Puja) in the temple complex
3-Day Spiritual Itinerary by DharmikVibes
Day 1 – Arrival & Orientation
- Arrival at Bellary Airport / Hospet railway station
- Luxury car pickup to Hampi
- Check-in to luxury heritage hotel (Taj, Evolve Back)
- Sunset at Hemakuta Hill
- Evening Ganga Aarti-style ritual by Tungabhadra (DharmikVibes exclusive)
Day 2 – Darshan & Temple Trail
- VIP entry for Virupaksha Abhishekam
- Guided heritage trail with DharmikGuide
- Pampa Sarovar rituals + Archana at Pampa Devi shrine
- Visit Vittala Temple, Stone Chariot, Purandara Mantapa
- Private Bhajan session in the temple complex (on request)
- Satvik dinner with local priests
Day 3 – Kishkindha Spiritual Trek
- Morning climb to Anjanadri Hill for Hanuman Darshan
- Local puja ceremony on Tungabhadra ghats
- Optional visit to Badami caves (extension trip)
- Departure with spiritual souvenirs, prasad, and temple-blessed holy thread
Expected Costs (Per Person)
| Package Type | Indian Citizens | NRIs / Foreigners |
|---|---|---|
| Spiritual Standard (3★ Stay) | ₹22,000 – ₹26,000 | $300 – $350 |
| Spiritual Premium (4★ Stay) | ₹30,000 – ₹36,000 | $450 – $500 |
| Spiritual Elite/VIP (5★ Stay) | ₹48,000 – ₹60,000 | $700 – $850 |
✔ Includes: Transport, stay, puja bookings, darshan passes, guided spiritual darshan, meals
✖ Excludes: Flights, personal expenses, donations
✨ Why Choose DharmikVibes
🧘 DharmikGuide Experience:
- Personal spiritual concierge to guide rituals, history, and temple customs.
- Language support (English, Kannada, Hindi, Tamil).
- Priority access for all rituals and darshans.
🌺 Special Services for:
- NRIs & HNIs – VIP darshan, heritage hotel stay, evening pujas, traditional attire, private bhajan, priest consultations.
- Senior Citizens – Wheelchair support, local help, doctor-on-call, slow-paced darshan, food customization.
🚐 Dharmik Travel Support:
- AC cabs / tempo travelers with local drivers.
- Premium train/flight bookings on request.
- Heritage-style resort options (Evolve Back, Orange County, etc.).
💎 Value Additions from DharmikVibes
- Holy Prasadam delivery post-visit (optional for NRIs)
- Curated spiritual souvenir box with Rudraksha, temple prasad, and yatra journal
- Lifetime membership for recurring yatra planning with Dharmik AI
- Personal photography and video capture of rituals and darshan
- Access to exclusive VIP group satsangs and heritage walks
Special Spiritual Activities Around Virupaksha Temple, Hampi
1. Abhishekam to Lord Virupaksha (Shiva)
- Performed every morning.
- Includes milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sacred water.
- A priest-led ritual that invites blessings for health, peace, and spiritual growth.
2. Kumkuma Archana to Goddess Pampa Devi
- Performed for marital harmony, fertility, and feminine energy.
- Ritual includes chanting Lalitha Sahasranamam and offering vermillion.
3. Holy Dip & River Puja at Tungabhadra River
- Considered purifying and sacred.
- Offer flowers, diyas, and perform Tarpan for ancestors.
4. Bhajan & Satsang Sessions in the Temple Courtyard
- Evening group chanting or musical bhajans near Purandara Mantapa.
- Spiritual healing through music and community devotion.
5. Sunrise Meditation at Hemakuta Hill
- Peaceful spot overlooking temple roofs and ruins.
- Ideal for silent japa (chanting), meditation, or guided sessions.
6. Hanuman Darshan & Trek at Anjanadri Hill (Kishkindha)
- Birthplace of Lord Hanuman (15 km away).
- Spiritual trek with chanting of Hanuman Chalisa.
- Optional Hanuman Tailabhishekam ritual.
7. Rudrabhisheka (Personalized)
- Powerful Vedic ritual to Lord Shiva.
- Recommended for health, protection, and spiritual evolution.
- Can be booked with temple priests or via DharmikGuide.
8. Satyanarayan Puja (for Families)
- Done during Full Moon days or special occasions.
- Ensures family prosperity and protection.
- Includes storytelling, prasadam, and home-style rituals.
9. Gau Puja (Cow Worship) in Temple Grounds
- Offerings made to sacred cows.
- Considered highly auspicious, especially for NRI families and those unable to perform rituals at home.
10. Spiritual Storytelling of Ramayana & Vijayanagara Dynasty
- Guided by a DharmikGuide.
- Walk through the stories of Rama meeting Hanuman, and how this region is connected to Kishkindha Kanda of Ramayana.
11. Temple Carving & Heritage Art Workshop (for children/families)
- Learn about ancient sculpture, Kannada scripts, and temple murals.
- Optional session with local artisans.
12. Astrological Consultation (Jyotish)
- Temple priests or local jyotishis can provide insights using traditional Panchang.
- Can include remedial rituals (Pariharas) based on planetary positions.
13. Annadanam (Sacred Food Donation)
- Offer a meal to pilgrims or temple devotees.
- Can be scheduled for birthdays, anniversaries, or as a sankalp.
14. Vastu Puja or Land Puja (for those starting new ventures)
- Conducted in presence of temple energies.
- Very auspicious for new businesses, homes, or investment beginnings.
15. Customized Spiritual Retreats (via DharmikVibes)
- 2–5 day detox retreats with puja, yoga, satvik food, heritage exploration, and spiritual coaching.
- Tailored for NRIs, senior citizens, wellness seekers, and high-net-worth individuals.
