<h4>Introduction to Virupaksha Temple</h4><p>The <strong>Virupaksha Temple</strong> is an ancient and revered Hindu temple located in the historic city of <strong>Hampi</strong>, situated in <strong>Central Karnataka</strong>, India. It stands as a testament to centuries of continuous worship and architectural evolution.</p><div class="info-box"><strong>Location:</strong> Hampi, Central Karnataka, India<br><strong>Primary Function:</strong> Active place of worship</div><h4>Dating and Origins</h4><p>The temple's origins can be traced back to the <strong>7th century</strong>, making it one of the oldest surviving structures in the region. While its foundations are ancient, the temple complex has seen significant additions and renovations over various periods, particularly under the patronage of the <strong>Vijayanagara Empire</strong>.</p><div class="key-point-box">The <strong>7th century</strong> dating refers to the earliest known structure, indicating a long history of religious significance.</div><h4>The Presiding Deity</h4><p>The principal deity enshrined within the <strong>Virupaksha Temple</strong> is <strong>Lord Virupaksha</strong>, a form of <strong>Lord Shiva</strong>. He is also reverentially known as <strong>Pampapathi</strong>, a name derived from Pampa, a local river goddess associated with the Tungabhadra River.</p><div class="info-box"><strong>Main Deity:</strong> Lord Virupaksha (a form of Lord Shiva)<br><strong>Alternate Name:</strong> Pampapathi</div><div class="exam-tip-box">Remember the dual name <strong>Virupaksha/Pampapathi</strong> as it often appears in exam questions related to Hampi and its religious significance. The temple's <strong>7th-century origin</strong> is a key historical fact.</div>