Where spirituality meets science: Anand Mahindra wowed by Karnataka temple which turns sunlight into magic

Industrialist Anand Mahindra’s travel wish list just got a magical update, and this time, it is not a far-off international destination. The business leader recently reacted to a social media post about an ancient temple in Karnataka that brings spirituality and science together in a fascinating way. He is quite active on X (formerly Twitter) and often shares interesting discoveries and travel ideas on social media. Today was no different.

Anand Mahindra is amazed by a Karnataka temple

The post that caught Anand Mahindra’s attention was shared by a user who claimed to have witnessed a remarkable visual effect inside Virupaksha Temple. According to the user, the temple produces a glowing, upside-down image of its towering entrance gopuram inside a dark chamber.

Explaining the experience, the user stated that the effect is created by a tiny opening in the wall that acts like a pinhole camera. Through this small aperture, sunlight enters and projects an inverted image of the temple’s 52-metre gopuram onto the opposite wall.

How sunlight creates the ‘magic’

The phenomenon is based on a well-known scientific principle called the camera obscura effect. When light passes through a very small hole into a dark space, it forms an inverted image of whatever lies outside. The same principle is used in early photography and modern pinhole cameras.

According to TOI report, at Virupaksha Temple, this effect occurs naturally due to the precise placement of the small opening and the distance between the aperture and the wall. Visitors who step into the dimly lit chamber are often surprised to see the clear, upside-down image of the temple tower appearing as if by magic.

The social media user who shared the picture shared that the structure proves ancient Indians did not see science and spirituality as separate fields. Instead, they used scientific knowledge as a part of their devotional architecture, combining geometry, astronomy and design in a single sacred space.

Mahindra echoed this sentiment by reacting positively to the post and calling it 'incredible'

Rich history of Virupaksha Temple

Located in Hampi, the Virupaksha Temple is one of the oldest functioning temples in the region and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It's just 352 km from Bengaluru. The temple's origins date back to the 7th century, although the structure was hugely expanded during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The temple complex forms part of the UNESCO-listed Group of Monuments at Hampi, which is recognised as a World Heritage Site for its historical and architectural importance.

The report also stated that the Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya is known to have played a major role in enhancing the temple’s grandeur, adding elaborate structures and improving its design during the 16th century.

Mahindra’s reaction has once again brought attention to India’s rich architectural heritage and the scientific knowledge embedded in many ancient structures. The viral post has not only impressed social media users but has also encouraged many to add Hampi to their travel plans. The Virupaksha Temple stands today not just as a place of worship but also as a reminder of how early builders understood light, space and geometry.