UPSC Prelims 2009 Q26: Art & Culture – Architecture & World Heritage
Where is the famous Virupaksha temple located ?
- (a) Bhadrachalam
- (b) Chidambaram
- (c) Hampi
- (d) Srikalahasti
Answer: (c) Hampi
Explanation
Where the Virupaksha temple is located
This famous temple is a centrepiece of a historic South Indian capital city's ruins.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Bhadrachalam | Incorrect | Known for a different temple (Sri Rama temple), not Virupaksha |
| (b) Chidambaram | Incorrect | Known for the Nataraja temple, not Virupaksha |
| (c) Hampi | Correct | The Virupaksha temple is the iconic centrepiece of Hampi, Karnataka, the ruined capital of the Vijayanagara Empire |
| (d) Srikalahasti | Incorrect | Known for a different Shiva temple, not Virupaksha |
Virupaksha temple facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Hampi, Karnataka |
| Significance | Central temple of the Vijayanagara Empire's former capital |
Answer: (c) Hampi.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Bhadrachalam is known for a different temple entirely.
- (b) Incorrect. Chidambaram is known for the Nataraja temple.
- (c) CORRECT. The Virupaksha temple is located at Hampi, Karnataka.
- (d) Incorrect. Srikalahasti hosts a different Shiva temple.
Key point
The Virupaksha temple is located at Hampi, Karnataka, the ruined capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Remember
Virupaksha temple: located at Hampi, Karnataka.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Virupaksha temple (Hampi) with other famous South Indian temples like Nataraja (Chidambaram) or Srikalahasti.
- Not knowing Hampi's historical significance as the Vijayanagara Empire's capital.
- Mixing up temple names across different South Indian pilgrimage towns.
Exam tip
Virupaksha temple = Hampi, Karnataka, the iconic centrepiece of the Vijayanagara Empire's ruined capital.
Sources
- Archaeological Survey of India — Hampi World Heritage Site documentation
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Group of Monuments at Hampi