Context: Recently, a section of the pillars holding up the pavilion at Hampi’s Virupaksha temple collapsed because of 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.