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

Shiva

The correct answer is Option (2) → Shiva

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

According to local tradition, the rocky hills on the banks of the Tungabhadra river sheltered the monkey kingdom of Vali and Sugriva mentioned in the Ramayana. Other traditions suggest that Pampadevi, the local mother goddess, did penance in these hills in order to marry Virupaksha, the guardian deity of the kingdom, also recognized as a form of Shiva.