O

As a custom devotees are requited to take bath in the temple pond before entering the shrine. You can see the pilgrims take bath in the nearby river owing to the bad condition of water in this pond. There are ductworks that connect the tank to the Tungabadra River just across the road.

A long row of shrines are doted along the northern edge of the tank are of more antiquity than the Virupaksha temple. Some are as old as 8 century AD. But most of these are empty and not functioning temples. The noted one is that of goddess Durga which is still under worship. This temple is easily identifiable by the icon of a warrior fighting with a lion installed in its porch. The plain pinkish sandstone built shrine houses the goddess with eight arms.

This form of the goddess Durga is also known as Mahishasura Mardini (the slayer of the buffalo demon). The image inside in fact portrays this act of the ferocious goddess. Her right hands hold a chakra (discus weapon), arrow, sword and a trident (striking the fallen demon); the left hands hold a conch, bow and a shield; the fourth left hand pulls the tongue of the demon. Her left leg pins the demon down to the ground. The goddesses' mount, the lion, is positioned nearby.

Club holding guardian deities are carved on either side of the shrines door jambs. An inscription slab installed in front with a linga icon on top possibly records the royal patronage offered to these temples.

Behind these rows of shrines are a number of homes, mostly of the temple priests.

The path further proceeds northward to the riverside (sacred bathing spot) after exiting through a pavilion like gateway.