Dheeraj D.

With the glorious presence of the sacred river pampa or tungabhadra; the vijayanagar is the evidence of rich temple architecture that can be enumerated as follows: 1.Rayagopuram: The high entrance gateway is the characteristic feature of Vijayanagara temple. Virupaksha temple has more than 50 m height gopuram. 2. Mythical architecture: The hazara ram temple is dedicated to rama and its walls are adorned with scenes from ramayana and mahabharata. The monumental towers of temples are generally adorned with life size figures of gods and goddesses. The mythical eagle garuda is present in magamantapa of vithala temple. 3. Large enclosure wall: The vijaynagar temples are generally surrounded by high walls decorated with animals; musicians; soldiers etc. The walls of ramachandra temple is an example of it. 4. Architecture combining science; astronomy and popular beliefs: The vidyarayana temple in vijayanagara is constructed on srichakra plan along with some astronomical concepts. The 12 pillars of this temple represents 12 zodiacs and ray of sun in the first solar month falls immaculately in the concerned and predisposed pillar. 5. Ornate pillars: It is very pervasive in Vijayanagar temples. The vigorous horses with jumping posture on the one side of the pillars and variety of cravings especially god on the other side makes the pillars magnificent. The srirangam temple in Trichi is example of it. The mantapa of vidyarayana temple has 12 pillars with cravings of 12 zodiacs. The vithala temple has 56 high ornate pillars. 6. Mantapa; mahamantapa; navaranga etc.: Most temples of Vijayanagara empire are enriched with these ornate features. The most outstanding and magnificent cravings of these features are found in vithala temple which is the masterwork of this empire. 7. Combination of other dynasties: The high gopuram resembles to chola style. Staggard square is a haysala style seen in pillard mantapa in vithala temple. The stepped nagara- shikhara of kadamba style is seen in a shiva temple in hemakuta hill. Granite is used in badami chalukya style in the temples of this empire. Acgyuta raya temple is precursor of dravida style temple. 8. Shrine: It is a noticeable feature of Vijayanagara temple. An additional shrine for a female deity is also seen in the temples. 9. Building materials: Granite was used for gateway and brick; woods were used for gopuram. Thus ; temple architecture of Vijayanagara is embedded with various features shining with its own merit.