Portion of Hampi’s Virupaksha Temple Collapses

The recent heavy rains in Karnataka have caused a portion of the historic Virupaksha temple to collapse. But this is just the latest chapter in the temple's long and storied history.

About Virupaksha Temple:

1. History:

1. The Virupaksha temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva.
2. It has been functioning uninterruptedly since its inception in the 7th century AD, making it one of India's oldest functioning temples.

2. Location:

1. Located in Hampi, in the Vijayanagara district of Karnataka.
2. It is part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Situated on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra River.

3. Architecture:

1. Built in South Indian architectural style
2. Includes a sanctum sanctorum, pillared halls, antechambers, grand gopurams, and smaller shrines
3. Has 3 gopurams, with the eastern gopuram being the largest at 8 storeys and 50 meters tall
4. Beautiful sculptures of Hindu Gods adorn the outer faces of the gopurams

4. UNESCO World Heritage Site:

1. A World Heritage Site (WHS) is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by UNESCO.
2. Sites are designated for having cultural, historical, scientific, or other forms of significance.

5. Builders' Ingenuity:

1. Builders utilized physics principles such as Rectilinear Light Theory and the pinhole camera effect, along with mathematical concepts like fractals, geometry, complex mathematics, and the Fibonacci number sequence, to construct the temple.
2. The most fascinating feature is the inverted pinhole image of its tower present on the inner wall.

Conclusion:

The Virupaksha Temple, despite its recent collapse, reflects India's rich cultural heritage. It is a monument to the enduring spirit and unmatched craftsmanship of the ancient artisans, reflecting their ability to create structures that stand the test of time.

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