Vijaya Vitthala Mandir, Hampi
Vitthalapura is situated on the southern bank of river Tungabhadra, at a distance of 2 kilometers northeast of Virupaksha Mandir. It has two approaches, one through the river side path on the west coming from the Virupaksha Bazaar and the other through the path coming from Talarighat Gateway from the east. The principal structure of this urban sector is the temple of Vitthala, a form of Vishnu. The foundation date of this mandir is not known. However, it is known to have been in existence during the time of Devaraya II ( 1422-46 AD ).
The Vitthala Mandir, also known as Vijaya Vitthala Mandir is, no doubt, the finest of the Vijayanagara monuments built at Hampi. The temple is unfinished, at the same time has suffered much damage due to human vandalism. Built facing east, the mandir occupies the center of a huge courtyard measuring 165m x 95m. The principal components of the main structure are the sanctum, the vestibule, circum - ambulatory path, an assembly hall and a Mahamantapa. In front of the mahamantapa, built at a short distance, is a small structural shrine resembling a Chariot ( Ratha ) with four rotatable stone wheels.
Other structures inside the enclosure amman shrine, an include a Kalyanamantapa , a Rangamantapa , an Ayirakambamantapa ( ' Thousand ' Pillared Hall ), a colonnaded verandah, etc. The prakara is built having three gateways with lofty towers towards the east, north and southern sides, which are badly damaged. They are known to have been built by ' Tirumaladevi ' and ' Chinnadevi ', the two queens of Krishnadevaraya in 1513 AD. These structural units, all embellished richly with a variety of architectural, sculptural and decorative motifs and certain other special features like the stone ' Chariot ' and ' Musical Pillars, have made the temple of Vitthala the grandest of the productions of the Vijayanagara artists.
In Post :
Mahamantapa or Mahamandapa
( In Front Of Main Shrine Of Vitthala Temple )
References :
Hampi - The Splendour That Was
( Department Of Archaeology, Museums & Heritage - Mysuru 2020 )
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