Question

Virupaksha, the guardian deity of the Vijayanagara Kingdom, is also recognized as a form of_________.

• A. Vishnu
• B. Shiva
• C. Ganesha
• D. Brahma

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The question relates to the religious and historical significance of Virupaksha, who is the guardian deity of the Vijayanagara Kingdom. To answer who Virupaksha is recognized as a form of, we must explore historical texts and religious contexts.

Virupaksha is predominantly associated with Shiva. In Hinduism, Shiva is one of the principal deities who forms part of the Trimurti, alongside Vishnu and Brahma. Shiva is often worshipped in the form of a lingam and is considered the destroyer or transformer among the Trimurti.

In the context of the Vijayanagara Empire, the Virupaksha Temple located in Hampi, Karnataka, was an important religious site dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple's prominence in the culture and architecture of the empire further emphasizes Virupaksha's identification with Shiva.

Thus, the correct answer is Shiva.

Answer 2

Virupaksha is a significant form of Lord Shiva, revered in the ancient Hindu traditions and particularly worshipped in the Vijayanagara Empire. The form of Virupaksha represents a more localized aspect of Shiva, known for his association with the region around Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Virupaksha, often depicted with three eyes and holding a trident, is closely associated with temples in the southern Indian region, especially the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, which is one of the most important pilgrimage sites. The temple was not only a center of religious activity but also a symbol of the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire's cultural and architectural achievements.

The worship of Virupaksha was central to the spiritual life of the empire and represented the strength and divine protection that Lord Shiva bestowed upon the empire. The temple itself has elaborate sculptures, inscriptions, and a vibrant history, reflecting the significance of the Virupaksha cult in the region. Many rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire, including Krishnadevaraya, were devout followers of Lord Virupaksha, and the temple was an important symbol of the state's religious and political identity.