A section of the pillars holding up the pavilion at Hampi’s Virupaksha temple collapsed recently following heavy rains.
About the Virupaksha Temple of Hampi
It is a historic Hindu temple located in Hampi, Karnataka, India.
It holds immense religious and cultural significance and is part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historical Significance
It dates back to the 7th century CE. Some historians suggest that it existed even before the Vijayanagara Empire established its capital in Hampi.
During the 14th to 16th centuries, under the Vijayanagara rulers, the temple underwent extensive expansion and flourished as a vital centre for religious and cultural activities.
The Vijayanagara Empire was founded by Harihara I of the Sangama dynasty, it expanded from a strategic position on the banks of the Tungabhadra River to become one of the most powerful kingdoms of its time.
Architectural Marvels
The Vijayanagara Empire (1336 to 1646), known for its grand architecture, built Dravidian-style temples and palaces in Hampi, including the Virupaksha Temple.
Notable features include towering gopurams (gateways), pillared halls, and shrines dedicated to various deities.
The Vitthala Temple within the complex stands out for its exquisite ornate structure, representing the pinnacle of Vijayanagara temple architecture.
It features a grand bazaar street, a stepped tank, and beautifully carved mandapas.
Religious Significance
The temple is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva.
It is associated with the local goddess Pampadevi, linked to the Tungabhadra River.
Worship at the Virupaksha Temple has persisted over centuries, even after the city’s destruction in 1565.
