What to expect
Highlights
- The unusual below-ground layout and stepped descent.
- The long pillared corridors around the sunken sanctum.
- A cool, atmospheric stop away from the crowds.
Prasanna Virupaksha Temple
The Prasanna Virupaksha Temple, better known as the "Underground Shiva Temple," is one of Hampi’s oldest shrines, built below the level of the surrounding ground. Its pillared halls and sanctum are reached down a flight of steps and stay cool and dim.
Practical guide
Plan Prasanna Virupaksha Temple
Typeheritage
Nearest baseHampi
Best timeNovember to March, when the sunken halls are at their driest
Time needed20 to 30 minutes
EntryFree
Nearest town/baseHampi
DistrictVijayanagara
Place typeheritage
Time needed20 to 30 minutes.
The Prasanna Virupaksha Temple, better known as the "Underground Shiva Temple," is one of Hampi’s oldest shrines, built below the level of the surrounding ground. Its pillared halls and sanctum are reached down a flight of steps and stay cool and dim.
Because it sits low, the sunken courtyard collects water in the monsoon and can be ankle-deep for months. It lies on the road toward the royal centre, a quiet contrast to the busier sacred-centre temples.
Visiting
Prasanna Virupaksha Temple — at a glance
TimingsDaylight hours
Best timeNovember to March, when the sunken halls are driest
Entry: Free
Getting here
How to reach Prasanna Virupaksha Temple
On the road toward the royal centre, near the Krishna temple
The "Underground" temple floods in the monsoon — the sunken sanctum may be ankle-deep in water.
Getting there
How to visit
- On the road toward the royal centre, near the Krishna temple; moped, cycle or auto.
- Free; wear shoes you can get wet and watch the slick steps after rain.
Distance by road
- Bengaluru340 km
- Hubballi145 km
- Hyderabad360 km
- Ballari65 km
- Badami140 km
Road km to Vijayanagara; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Timing
Best time
November to March, when the sunken halls are at their driest.
Weather in Prasanna Virupaksha TempleSeasonal guide
Live forecast loads in your browser.
Visitor notes
- Floods seasonally — the sanctum may be under water; tread carefully.
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where Prasanna Virupaksha Temple is
Photos
Prasanna Virupaksha Temple in pictures
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What’s near Prasanna Virupaksha Temple
Good to know
Prasanna Virupaksha Temple — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Prasanna Virupaksha Temple?
November to March, when the sunken halls are at their driest.
What are the entry fee and timings at Prasanna Virupaksha Temple?
Entry: Free. Timings: Daylight hours. Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Prasanna Virupaksha Temple?
On the road toward the royal centre, near the Krishna temple; moped, cycle or auto. Free; wear shoes you can get wet and watch the slick steps after rain.
How much time do I need for Prasanna Virupaksha Temple?
20 to 30 minutes.
What else is near Prasanna Virupaksha Temple?
Nearby you can pair Hazara Rama Temple (510 m), Mahanavami Dibba (650 m), Yantroddharaka Hanuman Temple (760 m), Zenana Enclosure (810 m).
Read next
More stories, legends & guides from Vijayanagara
Image credits
- Prasanna Virupaksha Temple:Ingo Mehling, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0