Virupaksha Temple - A call for Conservation
Virupaksha temple, Hampi
The Virupaksha temple is one of the most important structures located amongst the ruins at Hampi. The ruins of Hampi have been accorded the status of the UNESCO World Heritage site and are under the protection and maintenance of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Dating back 1,300 years, the magnificent structure consists of layered tower of elaborate, hand-carved friezes populated by a bevy of Hindu deities and symbols. It was constructed in Dravidian Style Architecture. It is believed that this temple has been functioning uninterruptedly ever since its inception in the 7th Century AD that makes it one of the oldest functioning temples in India.
CONTEXT : Hampi
Once the capital of the magnificent Vijayanagar empire, is about 12 kms from the town of Hospet in Karnataka State. The ancient ruins and monuments are spread across an area of 26 sq kms. Bounded by the river Tungabhadra on one side and with eccentric giant boulders on the other sides, Hampi offered natural defense to its' rulers.
Hampi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986. Hampi was chosen because of its strategic location, bounded by the torrential Tungabhadra river on one side and surrounded by defensible hills on the other three sides. The ruins of Hampi were discovered by Colonel Colin Mackenzie in 1800.
Brief synthesis based on UNESCO Group of Monuments at Hampi:
"WHY TO PRESERVE ?"
(i) “Hampi represents a masterpiece of human creative genius and cultural significance” ; It represents a unique artistic creation
(iii) “Bears a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared” ; The city bares exceptional testimony to the vanished civilization of the kingdom of Vijayanagara, which reached its apogee in the reign of krishnadevaRaya (1509-1530)
iv) “It is an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in human history” ; This capital offers an outstanding example of a type structure, which illustrates a significant historical situation; that of the kingdoms of South India menaced by the Muslims occasionally aligned with Portuguese of Goa.
Additions to the Temple Complex
Evidence indicates there were additions made to the temple in the late Chalukyan and Hoysala periods, though most of the temple buildings are attributed to the Vijayanagara period.
Originally there was a small shrine and the sanctuary that existed well before the foundation of Vijayanagar Empire. However, the vijayanagar rulers were responsible for building this small shrine into a large temple complex.
The central pillared hall is the most ornate structure. Known as the Ranga Mandapa this pillared hall was added to the temple complex in 1510 AD by Krishnadevaraya. In the 16th century, most of the wonderful decorative structures and creations were systematically destroyed by invaders.
The cult of Virupaksha-Pampa did not die out after the destruction of the city in 1565. Worship there continued through the years, and at the beginning of the 19th century there were major renovations and additions, which included ceiling paintings and the towers of the north and east Gopura.
“WHAT TO PRESERVE ?”
The musical pillars, which once stood as a testimony of the rich architecture of the Vijayanagar kingdom, are still standing, but with the support of iron pillars, structures and tools put in place by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
“We cannot reconstruct anything here. The only thing we can do now is preserve what is left,” says the Deputy Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Bangalore Circle and site manager at the World Heritage Centre, Hampi.
“With people touching and tapping those pillars for so many years, they have lost their strength and vibrations,”
The plight is not restricted to the Virupaksha Temple complex alone.
Most of the places with historical and mythological significance in Hampi are in a dilapidated state.
“HOW TO PRESERVE ?”
Due to geographical conditions
Apart from this, many rocks have cracked due to weathering, triggered by drastic fluctuation in temperature (in summer the temperature shoots up to 46 degrees, while it plummets to eight degrees in winter).
The Akka-Thangi Kallu (sister stones) also broke. The stones are watered during summers to avert such occurrences.
Due to Human Occupancy
However, the shortage of skilled workers and unearthing of ‘mesmerising objects’ have slowed down the renovation work at Vijaya Vittala complex, Virupaksha Bazaar, Mahanavami Dibba, Mint area, Lotus Palace and Queen’s Bath. “We cannot set a deadline for completion of renovation work of such historical places,” said the site manager during renovation period.
The archaeological department is not only unearthing the hidden artefacts and putting them up for display in museums, it is also planning to beautify Hampi’s landscaped contours with gardens and plaques under guidelines of the Integrated Management Plan.
The work has already been completed at the Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple, the Hemakuta group of temples, Hazara Rama Temple and the underground Shiva Temple.
The responsibility of preserving the national treasures lies not only with the government, but also the visitors who need to act responsibly to restore Hampi’s pristine glory.
Most of the mantapas that served as resting places for foreign traders during the Krishnadevaraya period (1509–1530), were occupied by locals until recently. They had converted the mantapas into houses and shops. With the Karnataka High Court ordering evacuation of the occupants and demolition of the illegal buildings, the ASI has resumed works. The department has already demolished illegal constructions in the 100 metre stretch from the Virupaksha Temple to the Nandi Mantapa.
Archaeologists have excavated slab-covered corridors in that stretch. They have excavated another temple next to the Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, which was earlier occupied by a family. The gopura of the Virupaksha Temple, which was in deplorable condition has been plastered.
On May 23 2013, the ASI completed work on the tower, on the Kampli-Hospet road, that was destroyed by the bounty hunters in 2012. However, the renovated structure is in no way similar to the old monument that was built by Krishnadevaraya in 1528.
“Our primary aim is to bring these structures back to its original form and we are using ancient methods and substances that were used during the construction of these buildings like lime, sand, alalekaki (kadukai) and jaggery as binding substances.”
RESTORATIONS & INTERVENTIONS
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has chalked out a plan of action to give a facelift to the iconic ‘gopura’ (tower) at the main entrance of the Virupaksha Temple and the bazaar in front of it at Hampi, the erstwhile seat of Vijayanagar empire.
Giving a colour wash to the main ‘gopura’ and also the ‘Vimana gopura’ (tower on the sanctum sanctorum), restoration of stucco figures on them, are among the works to be taken up in a systematic and scientific way in the first phase.
In the second phase, the work on cleaning the entire area on the southern side of the temple and maintaining it clean and tidy, restoration of the ‘saaluantaps’ opposite to the temple, known as Virupaksha bazaar’ are proposed.
The work of restoration of ancient ‘Manmatha Honda’ (a tank adjacent to the Virupaksha Temple, at an estimated cost of Rs. 2.5 crore, is in full swing. “We have removed the silt accumulated in the tank up to a depth of around 2 metres and the work of resetting the side walls to its original shape is under way,” stated by ASI. Landscaping would be taken up in the area adjacent to the tank to give a pleasing look of the ancient monument.
ASI also proposed to shift the temple car shed to prevent the blocking of the view of the Virupaksha gopura. It was only recently the Virupaksha Temple and other ancient monuments, spread over an areas of around 16.5 acres, were handed over to the ASI for conservation, preservation and upkeep.
The encroachment over ‘saalu mantapa’ by people, who used it as residences, shops, hotels and cyber cafes, were cleared. The ASI has started the work of clearing the debris at the ‘saalu mantaps’. Those evicted were given alternative sites at a layout developed near Kaddirampur, adjacent to Hampi.
“Some of the ancient ‘saalu mantapa’ are in a dilapidated condition and we have plans to restore them to its original status and give a facelift. Preparation of an action plan is under way”
The Virupaksha temple is one of the most important structures located amongst the ruins at Hampi. The ruins of Hampi have been accorded the status of the UNESCO World Heritage site and are under the protection and maintenance of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Dating back 1,300 years, the magnificent structure consists of layered tower of elaborate, hand-carved friezes populated by a bevy of Hindu deities and symbols. It was constructed in Dravidian Style Architecture. It is believed that this temple has been functioning uninterruptedly ever since its inception in the 7th Century AD that makes it one of the oldest functioning temples in India.
CONTEXT : Hampi
Once the capital of the magnificent Vijayanagar empire, is about 12 kms from the town of Hospet in Karnataka State. The ancient ruins and monuments are spread across an area of 26 sq kms. Bounded by the river Tungabhadra on one side and with eccentric giant boulders on the other sides, Hampi offered natural defense to its' rulers.
Hampi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986. Hampi was chosen because of its strategic location, bounded by the torrential Tungabhadra river on one side and surrounded by defensible hills on the other three sides. The ruins of Hampi were discovered by Colonel Colin Mackenzie in 1800.
Brief synthesis based on UNESCO Group of Monuments at Hampi:
"WHY TO PRESERVE ?"
(i) “Hampi represents a masterpiece of human creative genius and cultural significance” ; It represents a unique artistic creation
(iii) “Bears a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared” ; The city bares exceptional testimony to the vanished civilization of the kingdom of Vijayanagara, which reached its apogee in the reign of krishnadevaRaya (1509-1530)
iv) “It is an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in human history” ; This capital offers an outstanding example of a type structure, which illustrates a significant historical situation; that of the kingdoms of South India menaced by the Muslims occasionally aligned with Portuguese of Goa.
Additions to the Temple Complex
Evidence indicates there were additions made to the temple in the late Chalukyan and Hoysala periods, though most of the temple buildings are attributed to the Vijayanagara period.
Originally there was a small shrine and the sanctuary that existed well before the foundation of Vijayanagar Empire. However, the vijayanagar rulers were responsible for building this small shrine into a large temple complex.
Over the centuries the temple gradually expanded into a sprawling complex with many sub shrines, pillared halls, flag posts, lamp posts, towered gateways and even a large temple kitchen.
The central pillared hall is the most ornate structure. Known as the Ranga Mandapa this pillared hall was added to the temple complex in 1510 AD by Krishnadevaraya. In the 16th century, most of the wonderful decorative structures and creations were systematically destroyed by invaders.
The cult of Virupaksha-Pampa did not die out after the destruction of the city in 1565. Worship there continued through the years, and at the beginning of the 19th century there were major renovations and additions, which included ceiling paintings and the towers of the north and east Gopura.
“WHAT TO PRESERVE ?”
The musical pillars, which once stood as a testimony of the rich architecture of the Vijayanagar kingdom, are still standing, but with the support of iron pillars, structures and tools put in place by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
“We cannot reconstruct anything here. The only thing we can do now is preserve what is left,” says the Deputy Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Bangalore Circle and site manager at the World Heritage Centre, Hampi.
“With people touching and tapping those pillars for so many years, they have lost their strength and vibrations,”
The plight is not restricted to the Virupaksha Temple complex alone.
Most of the places with historical and mythological significance in Hampi are in a dilapidated state.
“HOW TO PRESERVE ?”
Due to geographical conditions
Apart from this, many rocks have cracked due to weathering, triggered by drastic fluctuation in temperature (in summer the temperature shoots up to 46 degrees, while it plummets to eight degrees in winter).
The Akka-Thangi Kallu (sister stones) also broke. The stones are watered during summers to avert such occurrences.
Due to Human Occupancy
However, the shortage of skilled workers and unearthing of ‘mesmerising objects’ have slowed down the renovation work at Vijaya Vittala complex, Virupaksha Bazaar, Mahanavami Dibba, Mint area, Lotus Palace and Queen’s Bath. “We cannot set a deadline for completion of renovation work of such historical places,” said the site manager during renovation period.
The archaeological department is not only unearthing the hidden artefacts and putting them up for display in museums, it is also planning to beautify Hampi’s landscaped contours with gardens and plaques under guidelines of the Integrated Management Plan.
The work has already been completed at the Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple, the Hemakuta group of temples, Hazara Rama Temple and the underground Shiva Temple.
The responsibility of preserving the national treasures lies not only with the government, but also the visitors who need to act responsibly to restore Hampi’s pristine glory.
Most of the mantapas that served as resting places for foreign traders during the Krishnadevaraya period (1509–1530), were occupied by locals until recently. They had converted the mantapas into houses and shops. With the Karnataka High Court ordering evacuation of the occupants and demolition of the illegal buildings, the ASI has resumed works. The department has already demolished illegal constructions in the 100 metre stretch from the Virupaksha Temple to the Nandi Mantapa.
Archaeologists have excavated slab-covered corridors in that stretch. They have excavated another temple next to the Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, which was earlier occupied by a family. The gopura of the Virupaksha Temple, which was in deplorable condition has been plastered.
On May 23 2013, the ASI completed work on the tower, on the Kampli-Hospet road, that was destroyed by the bounty hunters in 2012. However, the renovated structure is in no way similar to the old monument that was built by Krishnadevaraya in 1528.
“Our primary aim is to bring these structures back to its original form and we are using ancient methods and substances that were used during the construction of these buildings like lime, sand, alalekaki (kadukai) and jaggery as binding substances.”
RESTORATIONS & INTERVENTIONS
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has chalked out a plan of action to give a facelift to the iconic ‘gopura’ (tower) at the main entrance of the Virupaksha Temple and the bazaar in front of it at Hampi, the erstwhile seat of Vijayanagar empire.
Giving a colour wash to the main ‘gopura’ and also the ‘Vimana gopura’ (tower on the sanctum sanctorum), restoration of stucco figures on them, are among the works to be taken up in a systematic and scientific way in the first phase.
In the second phase, the work on cleaning the entire area on the southern side of the temple and maintaining it clean and tidy, restoration of the ‘saaluantaps’ opposite to the temple, known as Virupaksha bazaar’ are proposed.
The work of restoration of ancient ‘Manmatha Honda’ (a tank adjacent to the Virupaksha Temple, at an estimated cost of Rs. 2.5 crore, is in full swing. “We have removed the silt accumulated in the tank up to a depth of around 2 metres and the work of resetting the side walls to its original shape is under way,” stated by ASI. Landscaping would be taken up in the area adjacent to the tank to give a pleasing look of the ancient monument.
ASI also proposed to shift the temple car shed to prevent the blocking of the view of the Virupaksha gopura. It was only recently the Virupaksha Temple and other ancient monuments, spread over an areas of around 16.5 acres, were handed over to the ASI for conservation, preservation and upkeep.
The encroachment over ‘saalu mantapa’ by people, who used it as residences, shops, hotels and cyber cafes, were cleared. The ASI has started the work of clearing the debris at the ‘saalu mantaps’. Those evicted were given alternative sites at a layout developed near Kaddirampur, adjacent to Hampi.
“Some of the ancient ‘saalu mantapa’ are in a dilapidated condition and we have plans to restore them to its original status and give a facelift. Preparation of an action plan is under way”
Comments
Post a Comment