COLLAPSE OF HAMPI’S VIRUPAKSHA TEMPLE PAVILION

TAG: GS 1: ART AND CULTURE

THE CONTEXT: A portion of the Virupaksha temple in Hampi, Karnataka, recently collapsed following heavy rains on May 21, 2024.

EXPLANATION:

  • The temple, a nationally protected monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a rich history and faces several contemporary threats.

Virupaksha Temple

  • While legends trace the temple’s origins back to earlier times, the Virupaksha temple prominently gained attention and underwent substantial expansion in the 14th century during the Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646).
  • Founded by Harihara I of the Sangama dynasty, the Vijayanagara Empire’s rulers were great builders and patrons of art.
  • Under their reign, the temple became a central hub for religious and cultural activities.
  • The temple is a prime example of Dravidian temple architecture, characterized by its grand gopurams (towering gateways), the towering shikhara over the sanctum sanctorum, intricate carvings, and pillared halls.
  • The richly adorned gopuram features carvings of various deities, mythological scenes, and animals.
  • The sanctum sanctorum houses the Shiva lingam, the primary object of worship.
  • As part of Hampi, the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire, the temple stands as evidence of the last ‘great Hindu empire’ of South India.
  • UNESCO recognized its uniqueness by categorizing the Group of Monuments at Hampi as a World Heritage Site.

An earlier view of the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, Karnataka.

Causes of the Collapse

  • The pavilion or saalu mantap of the Virupaksha temple collapsed due to heavy rains.
  • ASI officials indicated that the stone pillars, which had deteriorated over time due to natural phenomena like rain, led to the collapse.
  • The ASI was aware of the weak foundation of the pavilion.
  • Superintendent Archaeologist of the ASI’s Hampi Circle mentioned that although restoration was planned, the pillars’ condition was worse than estimated, causing an early collapse.

Restoration Efforts by ASI

  • Before initiating restoration work, the ASI digitally documented all the monuments under its control in Hampi.
  • Restoration efforts began in 2019, with the first phase completed between 2019-2020 and the second phase between 2021-2022.
  • The pavilion was scheduled for later restoration.

Response to Collapse

  • Following the collapse, the ASI dismantled the entire pavilion for restoration on a priority basis.
  • A committee comprising senior archaeologists, conservationists, and engineers was formed to review and document the damage and restoration requirements.
  • Restoration is estimated to cost approximately Rs 50 lakhs and is expected to take three to four months.
  • Funding and logistics, alongside human resource constraints, pose significant challenges.

Broader Challenges and Concerns

  • Restoration efforts are hampered by financial constraints.
  • The Central government granted Rs 8 crore for restoring monuments in the Kalyan Karnataka region, but resources are still limited.
  • Restoring stone pillars necessitates using the same type of stone originally used, which involves traditional, time-consuming methods.
  • The Virupaksha temple remains in constant worship, leading to continuous additions and alterations that affect its original structure.
  • Modern shops, restaurants, and infrastructural developments around the temple complex have adversely impacted its historical setting.
  • The UNESCO website highlights the tension between modern usage and preserving the ancient fabric.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-history/hampi-virupaksha-temple-collapse-history-9352962/

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