Outline the distinctive features of the Virupaksha temple and the Vitthala temple in the Royal Centre of Vijayanagara Empire.
The Virupaksha temple:
i. The Virupaksha temple was an old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the guardian deity.
ii. It was enlarged with the establishment of the Vijayanagara Empire.
iii. The hall in front of the main shrine was built by Krishnadeva Raya to mark his accession.
iv. This was decorated with delicately carved pillars.
v. Gopurams, royal gateways that often dwarfed the towers on the central shrines, and signaled the presence of the temple.
vi. Central shrine (Garbha griha).
vii. There were Mandapas or pillared corridors found in the temple.
viii. Social importance –
- Images of God were placed to witness special programmes of music, dance and dramas.
- Used to celebrate the marriages of deities.
- Others were meant to swing the deities.
ix. Vijayanagara rulers/ kings ruled on behalf of Lord Virupaksha.
x. Orders were signed in the name of Sri Virupaksha.
xi. Rulers indicated close links with God using title “Hindu Suratrana”.
xii. Royal portraits sculpture was also displayed in temples.
xiii. Kings visits to temples along with Amaranayakas were important occasion.
The Vitthala temple:
(i) The principal deity was Vitthala, a form of Vishnu.
(ii) This temple has several halls and a unique shrine designed as a Chariot.
(iii) A characteristic feature of the temple complexes is the Chariot Streets that extended from the temple Gopuram in a straight line.
(iv) These streets were paved with stone slabs and lined with pillared pavilions in which merchants set up their shops.
(ANY FIVE FROM Virupaksha temple AND ANY THREE FROM Vitthala temple)
