VIRUPAKSHA
TEMPLE , HAMPI : HISTORY /ART & CULTURE
NEWS
: Keeping the Vijayanagara Empire alive: What
it takes to conserve Hampi
WHAT’S IN
THE NEWS ?
When a temple pavilion in Hampi collapsed in
the rains, questions were raised about the alleged neglect of one of India’s
largest World Heritage Sites. Adrija Roychowdhury travels to Hampi, the
once-vibrant city that was at the heart of the Vijayanagara empire, to know
what it takes to keep it standing.
Incident:
- The Saalu Mantapa, a
pavilion at the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, collapsed due to torrential
rainfall, highlighting the need for conservation.
Virupaksha
Temple, Hampi:
- Location: Hampi, Karnataka, India.
- UNESCO Status: Part of the Group of
Monuments at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historical
Significance:
- Origin: Dates back to the 7th
century CE.
- Vijayanagara Expansion: Flourished and expanded
significantly between the 14th to 16th centuries under the Vijayanagara
Empire.
- Vijayanagara Empire: Founded by Harihara I of
the Sangama dynasty, the empire expanded from the banks of the Tungabhadra
River.
Architectural
Marvels:
- Vijayanagara Architecture: Known for Dravidian-style
temples and palaces.
- Notable Features: Towering gopurams, pillared
halls, and shrines dedicated to various deities.
- Vitthala Temple: Stands out for its ornate
structure, grand bazaar street, stepped tank, and intricately carved
mandapas.
Religious
Significance:
- Dedication: The temple is dedicated to
Lord Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva.
- Local Deity: Associated with the goddess
Pampadevi and the Tungabhadra River.
- Continuous Worship: Worship has continued at
the temple even after the city's destruction in 1565.
Source :
https://indianexpress.com/article/long-reads/hampi-conservation-ruins-vijayanagara-empire-karnataka-world-heritage-site-asi-9530271/