The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Tuesday removed the walls that had been constructed inside the main gopuram of the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, where a mantapa had been converted into an office. The operation was carried out under the guidance of ASI Superintendent K. Ramakrishna Reddy and was widely welcomed by the public and tourist guides.
Restoring the Mantapa for Devotees
According to Virupakshi V. Hampi, general secretary of the State Tourist Guides Association, the mantapa inside the gopuram was originally intended as a resting place for devotees visiting the temple. A Shiva idol is located beside it, but regular abhisheka was not performed there due to the encroachment. With the removal of the additional walls, the mantapa is now visible, and devotees can have darshan of the Shiva idol. Amaradeep P.S., a monument photography enthusiast, thanked the ASI superintendent for addressing a long-pending demand of devotees and tourists.
Additional Clean-Up at Kari Thiruvengalanatha Temple
In another development, the premises of the Kari Thiruvengalanatha Temple, located near the Second Penugonda Gate on the road to Sitarama Tanda, were cleaned after the issue was brought to the notice of Shejeshwar, deputy director of the state department of archaeology, museums, and heritage. The temple had become a gathering spot for drunkards in recent times, according to local residents. The clean-up and restructuring drives have been appreciated by the public, who hope for continued preservation of Hampi's heritage.
