Underground Temple

Underground Temple

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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. 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.