Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: A portion of Hampi’s Virupaksha temple collapsed due to heavy rains.
About the Temple:
The Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, dedicated to Lord Virupaksha (a form of Shiva), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka. Constructed by Lakkan Dandesha under Prauda Deva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire, it’s one of India’s oldest temples, dating back to the 7th century. The temple features intricate Dravidian architecture with a nine-tiered entrance gate and mathematical patterns. It has survived through the Chalukyan and Hoysala periods, despite damage during Mughal rule. Notable festivals include the marriage of Virupaksha and Pampa in December and the chariot festival in February.
