This temple is dedicated to Lord Pampapathi, a form of Lord Shiva, and his consort Pampadevi. It is situated within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Architecturally, it represents a prime example of the Dravida style, noted for its towering gopurams, intricately carved vimana, pillared halls, and ornate mandapas. Historical inscriptions suggest that the earliest shrine was constructed as early as 740 CE by the Chalukyan queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband's victory. Over the centuries, the temple received contributions from the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Cholas, and was significantly expanded under the Vijayanagara rulers.

Which one of the following temples is being described above?
(a) Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur
(b) Kailasanatha Temple, Kanchipuram
(c) Virupaksha Temple, Hampi
(d) Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

Question

This temple is dedicated to Lord Pampapathi, a form of Lord Shiva, and his consort Pampadevi. It is situated within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Architecturally, it represents a prime example of the Dravida style, noted for its towering gopurams, intricately carved vimana, pillared halls, and ornate mandapas. Historical inscriptions suggest that the earliest shrine was constructed as early as 740 CE by the Chalukyan queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband's victory. Over the centuries, the temple received contributions from the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Cholas, and was significantly expanded under the Vijayanagara rulers.

Which one of the following temples is being described above?
(a) Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur
(b) Kailasanatha Temple, Kanchipuram
(c) Virupaksha Temple, Hampi
(d) Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Context: The Virupaksha temple&rsquo;s pavilion or the &lsquo;saalu mantap&rsquo; collapsed following torrential rains.
The temple described is Virupaksha Temple, located at Hampi in Karnataka, which was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire (14th&ndash;16th centuries CE).
It is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha (also known as Pampapathi) and Goddess Pampadevi.
The temple is a key component of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Architecturally, it is a classic example of the Dravida style, with prominent gopurams, vimanas, pillared mandapas, and intricate carvings.
The earliest shrine was built around 740 CE by Chalukyan queen Lokamahadevi, and the temple later saw additions from the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Cholas, and substantial expansion under Vijayanagara rulers.

Website Link

Test Your Knowledge

Student Resources


E Question 1	⏱ 0
This temple is dedicated to Lord Pampapathi, a form of Lord Shiva, and his consort Pampadevi. It is situated within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Architecturally, it represents a prime example of the Dravida style, noted for its towering gopurams, intricately carved vimana, pillared halls, and ornate mandapas. Historical inscriptions suggest that the earliest shrine was constructed as early as 740 CE by the Chalukyan queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband's victory. Over the centuries, the temple received contributions from the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Cholas, and was significantly expanded under the Vijayanagara rulers. Which one of the following temples is being described above? (a) Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur (b) Kailasanatha Temple, Kanchipuram (c) Virupaksha Temple, Hampi (d) Meenakshi Temple, Madurai