The saalu mantap of the Virupaksha temple in Karnataka was damaged following torrential rains on May 21.
- The temple is located at the historical site of Hampi. The temple is a nationally protected monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The ASI is responsible for 57 out of the 95 monuments in Hampi that are nationally protected, while the rest are under the state government’s control.
- The temple is believed to have its origins in the 7th century.
- The Virupaksha Temple, which existed prior to the Vijayanagar empire and is considered as the ‘Kashi of the South’.
- The Virupaksha temple gained prominence and underwent extensive expansion in the 14th century during the Vijayanagara Empire (1336 to 1646).
- Lord Virupaksha, also referred to as Pampapathi is the main deity in Virupaksha Temple.
- Virupaksha Temple complex also houses shrines of Bhuvaneshwari and Vidyaranya.
- It is a prime example of Dravidian temple architecture, characterised by its grand gopurams (towering gateways), the shikhara towering over the sanctum sanctorum, its intricate carvings and pillared halls.
- The sanctum sanctorum houses the Shiva lingam, the main object of worship.
