Virupaksha Temple of Hampi

Context

A portion of the Virupaksha temple in Karnataka collapsed due to torrential rains recently.

Portion of Hampi’s Virupaksha temple collapses

• The temple’s pavilion or the saalu mantap was damaged as a section of pillars holding it collapsed.
• Three metres of the 19-metre-long pavilion, consisting of four pillars, are damaged due to heavy rain.
• Reason: The pavilion was constructed using stone pillars and were subject to very heavy rains in the past, due to which foundation of the pavilion lost its strength gradually, leading to the collapse.

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About Virupaksha Temple

• Origin and Evolution:  The Virupaksha Temple originated in the 7th century AD, making it the oldest and principal temple in Hampi.
  • It gained prominence and underwent extensive expansion in the form of the present temple complex during  14th century under the patronage of  Vijayanagara Empire (1336 to 1646).

• Presiding Deity: Lord Shiva.
• Built by: This temple complex was constructed by Lakkan Dandesha, a nayaka (chieftain) of the ruler, Paruda Deva Raya II during the Vijayanagara rule.
• Location: The temple is located located on the south bank of the river Tungabhadra, in Hampi, Vijaynagara district, Karnataka.
• UNESCO Recognition: It belongs to the Group of Monuments at Hampi, declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Virupaksha Temple Features: 
  • It is also known as the Pampapathi temple and is the oldest temple in Hampi. The main temple is east facing and has two large courtyards, one leading to the other. 
  • Mathematical Construction: The Temple’s construction and decoration shows repeated patterns which depict the concept of fractals. The temple is triangular in shape.
  • Ranga Mandapa: Krishnadevaraya was instrumental in building the central pillared hall (Ranga Mandapa) in 1510 AD  and the gateway tower, which provides access to the inner courtyard of the temple.
  • Annual Chariot Festival: The month of December witness the betrothal and marriage ceremonies of Lord Virupaksha and Goddess Pampa with the annual Chariot festival held.
  • Architecture Style: Dravidian temple architecture, 
    • It is characterised by grand gopurams (towering gateways) depicting  various deities, mythological scenes and animals,  the shikhara towering over the sanctum sanctorum, and the intricate carvings and pillared halls, an enclosed wall compound and water reservoir.