Portion of Hampi’s Virupaksha temple collapses: What is its history and the threats it faces today?

Portion of Hampi’s Virupaksha temple collapses: What is its history and the threats it faces today?

Sub: History

Sec: Art and Culture

Context:

• The Virupaksha temple pavilion in Hampi, Karnataka, collapsed on May 21 due to heavy rains.

Details:

• The pavilion (saalu mantap) suffered damage, with allegations of neglect directed at the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
• The stone pillars of the pavilion weakened over time due to natural wear and heavy rains.
• A committee has been formed to assess the damage and restoration needs.
• Restoration Efforts:
  • ASI began restoration in 2019, with two phases completed by The pavilion was slated for future restoration.

Restoration Challenges:

• Funding, logistics, and sourcing the original type of stone pose challenges.
• The restoration of the pavilion is estimated to cost Rs 50 lakhs and take three to four months.
• Broader Preservation Concerns
• Rs 8 crore was allocated last year for regional monument restoration.
• Continuous worship and commercial activities around the temple impact its preservation. UNESCO highlights the need to balance modern use with conservation efforts.

Virupaksha Temple:

• Located in Hampi in the Vijayanagara district of Karnataka, India.
• The temple dates back to the 7th century, gaining prominence in the 14th century under the Vijayanagara Empire (1336 to 1646).
• The temple is dedicated to Sri Virupaksha.
• The temple was built by Lakkan Dandesha, a nayaka (chieftain) under the ruler Deva Raya II, also known as Prauda Deva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• It exemplifies Dravidian architecture with grand gopurams (towering gateways), intricate carvings, and a sanctum sanctorum housing a Shiva lingam.
• Historians say all temples had pavilions where traders sold articles, such as those used in worship. Sometimes devotees visiting the temple also camped under the pavilions.
  • There is also a Virupakshini Amma temple (mother goddess) in a village called Nalagamapalle, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, approximately 100 km from Tirupati.
• ‘Kalyanamantapa’, is a notable feature in the temple construction in Vijayanagar kingdom.
• Hampi, the empire’s capital, was a vital centre for religious and cultural activities, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vijayanagar empire:

• The Vijayanagara Empire witnessed the reign of four dynasties: Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and Aravidu.
• Founded by the brothers Harihara I and Bukka Ray I of the Sangama dynasty, members of a pastoralist cowherd community that claimed Yadava lineage.
• The Vijayanagara Empire expanded from a strategic position on the banks of the Tungabhadra River to become one of the most powerful kingdoms of its time.
• The Empire stands today as evidence of what is known as the last ‘great Hindu empire’ of South India.
• It at its height ruled the lands of the modern states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, and some parts of Telangana, Maharashtra and some parts of Sri Lanka.
• The wealth and fame of the empire inspired visits by and writings of medieval European travellers such as Domingo Paes, Fernão Nunes, and Niccolò de’ Conti.
• The empire lasted until 1646, although its power greatly declined after a major military defeat in the Battle of Talikota in 1565 by the combined armies of the Deccan sultanates.

Sources of the Vijayanagara Empire

Source: TH