Sri
Virupaksha Temple is located at Virupakshapura in Mulabagilu, not very far from
the highway on the road leading to Avani. While there is an unfinished gopura
on one side, on the other side, inside the ruins of fort lays the temple. This temple
was built in the 13th century by Vijayanagara rulers and resembles the
Virupaksha Temple in Hampi. Though the temple is a big one, due to lack of
visiting devotees, it is not being maintained well. There is open mantap on
both sides of the main gopuram. There are some small temples also in the
premises. The pillars of the mantap depict diverse outlines of animals, flora,
human and mythological persons.
In the sacred sanctum, there are two shiva lingas one behind the other. It is believed that the larger one was installed by sage Atri and the smaller one in the front is the Atma linga given by the lord to sage Atri, which also was installed by sage before the lingam to which he used to do daily pooja. It is believed that the Atma linga changes colours three times during the day, from sunrise to sunset. There is a pit in front of Garbhagudi which is said to give divine vibration. The feel differs from person to person.
On the right side of the main temple there is an opening
from which lead to Baglamukhi temple. As per tantra, Bagulamukhi is one of the
devi's of Dashamahavidya. She is keeper of Brahmaastra, one of the most
powerful goddesses. It is believed that King Vikramaaditya built the
Bagulamukhi temple at Virupakshapura.
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