write in detail about the various temples found in hampi
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Information about Hampi
Hampi, once a flourishing capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, is a very small village in the Northern Karnataka. Hampi exhibits the vast relics of the city of Vijaynagar, also known as the City of Victory. The Vijaynagar empire extended from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal and from the Deccan Plateau to the tip of the peninsula. It was built as a showpiece of imperial magnificence. The main attraction in Hampi are the temples built by the Vijaynagar empire. The temperature in Hampi ranges from 23 to 38 degree Celsius in summers and 10 to 15 degree Celsius in winters. Hampi can be visited throughout the year, except from April to June, when it is very hot.
Temples in Hampi
Virupaksha Temple
Virupaksha Temple is one of the few temples amidst the ruins, that is still worshipped. At the heart of the complex are several minor shrines that belongs to the Chalukya and Hoysala periods, completely engulfed by Vijayanagar extensions. The eastern gateway which is 50 metres high, is a marvel of engineering skill. The hall leading to the sanctum sanctorum has finely carved columns of animals. The ceiling is painted with scenes from mythology. To the south of the Virupaksha Temple are the two colossal monolith images of Ganesha carved on boulders. One of the image of Lord Ganesha is enclosed in a temple with unusually tall columns and other stands within an open hall. Further south, the statue of Narasimha is situated which is carved out of a single boulder.
Vittala Temple
Vittala Temple, despite its ruined state, represents the highest achievement of Vijayanagar art. The temple stands on a rectangular courtyard. Its 56 columns are richly carved with fantastic beings and rampant animals. The elaborately and delicately chiseled brackets, support the columns and the ceiling. The slender columns echo with music when tapped. Ceilings are decorated with foliage and geometric designs. The elongated columns of this structure are sculptured with animals and figures and are intricately ornamented.
Hazara Rama Temple
Hazara Rama Temple is the family temple of the rulers and surrounded by enclosures containing buildings and ruins associated with the king, court and military. Finely carved basalt pillars depict the incarnations of Vishnu. The exterior walls are sculptured with events from the Ramayana.
Vitthala Temple
This magnificent temple complex is undoubtedly the best example of Vijayanagar art and architecture. Its construction was started in 1513, by Krishnadevaraya, but was not completed even after the shifting of the capital to Penukonda in 1565. the grandur of the shrine is reflected in a legend, which says that Lord Vishnu found it too grand to live in and returned to his own ‘humble home’. The impressive Kalyana Mantapa and the exquisitely carved stone chariot in the courtyard are the main attractions. The technical conceptions is so ingenious that the stone wheels of the chariot actually rotate. Equally impressive are the 56 musical pillars in the large Ranga Mantapa, that emit musical notes when tapped.
Lord Virupaksha Temple
The temple complex is dedicated to Virupaksha, an aspect of Lord Shiva and the guardian deity of the Vijaynagar kings. It lies at the western end of a 700 metre long street, which was once the famous Hampi Bazaar. The exquisitely carved 50 m. high gateway at the entrance is believed to be from earlier period and was renovated in 1510, by Krishnadeva Raya. Within the temple courtyard are many small shrines and pillared halls. The ornately carved hall outside the central shrine has paintings on its ceiling depicting mythological scenes. Other worth visiting temples are – Sasuvekalu Ganapathi and Krishna Temple Complex.