VIRUPAKSHA TEMPLE

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Context

• A portion of the Virupaksha temple in Karnataka collapsed following torrential rains.

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Virupaksha Temple: A Sacred Monument in Hampi

Location and Significance

• The Virupaksha Temple, situated in Hampi within the Vijayanagara district of Karnataka, holds a special place as part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Dedicated to Sri Virupaksha, it was constructed by Lakkan Dandesha, a chieftain under the rule of Deva Raya II, also known as Prauda Deva Raya, of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Historical Continuity

• With a history tracing back to the 7th century CE, the temple predates the establishment of the Vijayanagara capital in Hampi.
• Despite the city's destruction in 1565, worship at the temple persisted, witnessing renovations and additions over the centuries.

Architectural Marvel

• The temple's architecture is a blend of various influences, with significant contributions from the Vijayanagara period.
• Featuring delicately carved pillars and intricate designs, the main temple comprises a sanctum, ante chambers, pillared halls, and open pillared halls.
• Notable structures include the nine-tiered eastern gateway, known as the largest at 50 meters, and the Kanakagiri gopura leading to the Tungabhadra River.

Mathematical Precision and Patronage

• An intriguing aspect of the temple is its utilization of mathematical concepts, evident in its repeating patterns reminiscent of fractals.
• Krishna Devaraya, a prominent king of the Vijayanagara Empire, played a significant role as a patron, contributing ornate structures such as the central pillared hall and the eastern gopuram.

READ ALL ABOUT HAMPI AND VIJAYNAGARA EMPIRE: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/hampi-and-vijaynagara-empire

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire oversaw the construction of the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, and who was the chieftain responsible for its construction? a) Krishna Devaraya; Lakkan Dandesha b) Deva Raya II; Lakkan Dandesha c) Achyuta Devaraya; Linga Raju d) Virupaksha Devaraya; Mallikarjuna Dandesha

SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS