Underground Shiva Temple
A 14th-century temple built underground, often submerged in water, featuring intricate carvings and a mysterious ambiance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less water, more to see
Underground Shiva Temple
Best Time
Less water, more to see
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 14th-century temple built underground, often submerged in water, featuring intricate carvings and a mysterious ambiance.
"A hidden gem offering a unique, peaceful, and mysterious experience with fascinating history and architecture."
Check Water Levels First
The temple is often submerged. Confirm water levels before you go to ensure access to key areas. :informationdeskperson:
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Expect damp and uneven surfaces. Comfortable, water-resistant shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Submerged Sanctum
Main chamber
The heart of the temple, often filled with water, symbolizing the Tungabhadra River's origin. A truly unique sight.
Pillared Halls
Surrounding corridors
Explore intricately carved pillars and corridors that speak of the Vijayanagara Empire's architectural genius.
Bat-Lined Ceilings
Upper areas
Witness the fascinating sight of bats hanging upside down from the ceilings, adding to the temple's eerie charm.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Mystery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Water Levels First
The temple is often submerged. Confirm water levels before you go to ensure access to key areas. :informationdeskperson:
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Expect damp and uneven surfaces. Comfortable, water-resistant shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Embrace the Dim Light
The low light adds to the atmosphere. Bring a flashlight if you want a closer look at carvings. :flashlight:
Look for Direction Boards
Find this hidden gem and other sites easily with clear direction boards and maps. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Water Levels First
The temple is often submerged. Confirm water levels before you go to ensure access to key areas. :informationdeskperson:
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Expect damp and uneven surfaces. Comfortable, water-resistant shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Embrace the Dim Light
The low light adds to the atmosphere. Bring a flashlight if you want a closer look at carvings. :flashlight:
Look for Direction Boards
Find this hidden gem and other sites easily with clear direction boards and maps. :world_map:
Quiet Reflection Spot
Escape the crowds and find a peaceful, intimate space for reflection. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Underground Shiva Temple as a fascinating, hidden gem with a unique, mysterious ambiance due to its underground location and waterlogged sanctum. The intricate carvings and historical significance are highly appreciated, offering a peaceful escape from crowds.
"The Underground Shiva Temple in Hampi is definitely one of the hidden gems. As the name suggests, the temple is set below ground level, which gives it a cool, mysterious vibe. When you enter, the low ceilings and dim light create a peaceful, almost meditative atmosphere.
You can find this and many other spots through direction boards or maps and once you’re there, it feels more intimate compared to the larger temples. It's a great spot if you're looking for a quiet place to reflect or escape the crowds."
Amey Joshi
"📍 The Underground Shiva Temple, Hampi ||
One of the lesser-known but immensely fascinating sites in Hampi is the underground Shiva Temple, also known as the Prasanna Virupaksha Temple.
Built sometime around 14th Century AD under the reign of King Deva Raya II, this temple, like all the other surviving temples in Hampi, is noted for its impressive architecture and also a large monolithic lingam of Lord Shiva located inside a circular chamber.
It is worth noting that the circular chamber was carved out of a single rock, and the roof is supported by four pillars also carved out of the same rock, bearing testimony to both the assiduousness and patience of the architects who painstakingly built this temple.
This temple also had a unique water management system, with water channels built around the Shiva lingam to ensure it remains constantly immersed in water. This is believed to symbolise the origin of the Tungabhadra River from the matted hair lock of Lord Shiva.
Another interesting fact about this temple is that it was intentionally built underground to protect it from invaders. Visitors can witness intricate carvings on the walls and pillars. This temple is considered a hidden gem in Hampi and definitely worth a visit for those who love history, architecture, and most importantly, Hindu mythology."
Traveling_Canucks
"The Underground Shiva Temple in Hampi is a remarkable ancient structure, steeped in history and religious significance. Located below ground level, this temple offers a unique and intriguing experience for visitors.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple's construction dates back to the Vijayanagara Empire. Its submerged location is due to the temple being built on a lower level, which often gets flooded during the monsoon season. The temple's design is a blend of Dravidian and Vijayanagara architectural styles, featuring intricate carvings and detailed sculptures.
The temple complex includes a main sanctum, a pillared hall, and a circumambulatory path. The dimly lit interiors create an atmosphere of serenity and mystery, enhancing the spiritual experience. The temple's submerged state adds to its allure, providing a sense of connection to the earth and the divine.
Despite its underground location, the temple is well-preserved, showcasing the architectural prowess of the Vijayanagara artisans. It stands as a testament to the empire's rich cultural heritage and remains a significant pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva."
Akash Dhumal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Underground Shiva Temple is located in Hampi, Karnataka. Travelers often fly into Hubballi, then take a train to Hosapete, followed by a taxi to Hampi. Local buses and auto-rickshaws are also available within Hampi to reach the temple site. Follow the direction boards once in Hampi.
Reaching Hampi can be a journey, involving flights, trains, and local transport. While not the easiest to access, many find the historical significance and unique sites like the Underground Shiva Temple well worth the effort.
Once in Hampi, auto-rickshaws and bicycles are popular ways to explore the various ruins and temples, including the Underground Shiva Temple. Some visitors also opt for guided tours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Underground Shiva Temple is generally free, as it's part of the broader Hampi ruins. However, it's always good to check for any recent changes in local regulations.
The temple is typically accessible during daylight hours, but access to the inner sanctum can be restricted due to water levels. It's best to visit during the day to experience the full ambiance.
Due to its underground nature and water management system, the main sanctum is often submerged and not accessible for worship. However, the surrounding pillared halls and corridors are explorable.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Its most unique feature is its construction below ground level, leading to it being partially or fully submerged in water year-round. The ceilings are also known to host bats.
Expect a dimly lit, atmospheric space with intricate carvings on pillars and walls. The presence of water and bats adds to its mysterious and ancient feel.
Yes, it is generally safe. However, be mindful of the damp and uneven surfaces. The waterlogged areas should not be entered. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear.
Photography is usually permitted, but be respectful of the religious nature of the site. The dim lighting might require a good camera or flash for clear shots.
Built around the 14th century during the Vijayanagara Empire, it showcases advanced architecture and a unique water management system, possibly built underground for protection.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no dining facilities directly within the temple complex, Hampi town offers various local eateries and restaurants serving South Indian cuisine. It's advisable to carry water and snacks if you plan to explore extensively.
📸 📸 Photography
The interplay of light and shadow in the pillared halls, the submerged lingam, and the unique ceiling details (including bats) offer great photographic opportunities. Capture the atmospheric, dimly lit interiors.
The natural dim lighting can be challenging. Using a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod can help capture detailed shots. Some creators use flash effectively.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History & Architecture Buffs
🧘 Solo Travelers & Seekers of Peace
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels and History
The temple's unique water management system is another highlight. Water channels were ingeniously built around the Shiva lingam to ensure it remains perpetually immersed, symbolizing the mythical origin of the Tungabhadra River from Lord Shiva's matted hair.
Rediscovered by the Archaeological Department in 1976 after being buried under mud for centuries, the temple offers a glimpse into a rich past.
Its dimly lit interiors and the presence of bats hanging from the ceilings create a distinct, almost eerie atmosphere, making it a fascinating site for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and those interested in Hindu mythology.Experiencing the Submerged Temple
+1 This creates a unique, serene, and somewhat mysterious ambiance, especially with the low ceilings and dim lighting.When exploring, be prepared for damp and potentially uneven surfaces. Wearing sturdy, water-resistant footwear is highly recommended.
This temple is often described as a hidden gem within Hampi, offering a more intimate and quiet experience compared to the larger, more frequented temples. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking a moment of reflection or a deeper connection with the historical and spiritual essence of Hampi, away from the usual tourist bustle.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit