ABSTRACT
The 'Ramanuja Temple' in Vitthalpura, Hampi
A.L. Dallapiccola and Anila Verghese
Locally referred to as 'Old Shiva' temple, this imposing monument is located in Vitthalpura, one of the parts of Vijayanagara. The name 'Old Shiva' seems a misnomer because there is not a single Shaiva image in its precints, all the existing sculptures being of Vaishanava inspiration.
There are no epigraphical sources on the site to prove its religious affiliation. A study of the iconography reveals that this temple was possibly dedicated to one of the alvars or acharyas. The most important piece of evidence for the identification of its dedication are the carvings on the slabs on the recessed beams supporting the ceiling of the central open space of the maharangamandapa depicting the 12 alvars flanked by deities and devotees. Especially prominent are the two images of Ramanuja. Other elements of the sculptural programme such as the story of Gajendramoksha, carved on to a pillar on the east porch, and the whole Ramayana narrative sculpted on the entrance gopura, give further clues to the temple's connection with Ramanuja. It is known that this philosopher was active at the Vardaraja temple in Kanchipuram, the backdrop of the Gajendramoksha episode, and that he was a great devotee of Rama. The iconographic evidence is corroborated by epigraphical sources found elsewhere in Vitthalpura.