Famous Temples in India

Architecture

The Chandikesvara temple showcases the Vijayanagara style of architecture. The Chandikesvara temple stands within a small compound and has a big hall situated at the front of the structure. The most interesting part of the temple’s architecture is the richly carved pillars standing in the front hall. Each pillar is a brilliant piece of architecture in itself. Each pillar has been crafted out of huge stones in an impressive manner. The entrance to the temple is decorated with remarkable carvings of Yalis, a fabled creature from Hindu mythology that is part lion, part horse and part elephant. The temple has two shrines located inside its compound. The main shrine is located at the centre. This central shrine contains the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and once had an idol of the reigning deity installed there. However, no idol can be found inside the shrine now. A small shrine stands at the north-west area inside the temple compound. This temple is supposed to be dedicated to the Goddess. Even the small shrine is devoid of any idols. The Chandikeshwara temple is one of the few structures in Hampi that have not been completely destroyed. A notable portion of the Temple still remains intact. The beautifully carved pillars have managed to conserve a wonderful part of the history in their construction. Though the temple is not in the shape that it used to be in, it still reflects the skilled craftsmanship of the workers of the Vijayanagara era.