Narration for dummy 3

Narration for the dummy 2

Narration for the dummy 2

Narration for the dummy 2

Narration for the dummy 2

Narration for the dummy 2

Naga Shrine

Nagas are semi-divine entities, half-human and half-serpent and are believed to reside in Patala (netherworld).

In Hindu iconography, they are typically depicted in three forms: as entirely human adorned with snakes from head to toe, as half-human, half-snake or as a serpent.

In India, they are worshipped as nature spirits. They are often associated with water bodies, wealth and treasures, and most importantly worshipped by women as a symbol of fertility.

Kalyanis are a source of ground water and constructed in alignment with the natural flow of water down the hill tops, acting as a natural reservoir.

This is one of the three kalyanis in the temple: the other one is just behind the mantapa at the entrance, and the largest & main kalyani is to the north of the main temple complex, adjacent to the Vasanta mantapa.

The intricately carved Yali pillars can be seen near the entrance. Inside the mantapa there is a raised platform where the deity might have been placed for the ritualistic bath. All the pillars in the mantapa have carvings of deities, sages, animals, and scenes from daily lives of people, enhancing the beauty of the Mantapa.

Mahanavami dibba

The term "Dibba" in Telugu means a "mound," which essentially describes it as a raised platform. The King or elders would be seated on this platform, and it played a central role during festivals like Dasara and Mahanavami, serving as a stage for viewing grand processions.

This structure appears to be a smaller version of the Mahanavami Dibba in Hampi.

The Mahanavami Dibba in Hampi, built by the Vijayanagara rulers, is an important historical structure.

Located near the market area, this elevated platform is adorned with intricate carvings. What's intriguing about the dibba at Hampi is that there's a hidden door that leads to an underground tunnel connecting directly to the royal palace, likely for safe & convenient travel.

This kalyani or water tank was constructed by the Vijayanagaras as a part of horizontal expansion. This is a specific feature of the Vijayanagaras.

This kalyani was mostly used for the ritualistic bathing of the temple deity. The water from here might have been carried to the Vasantha mantapa for the ritualistic bath.

The Kalyanis may have not just been of ritualistic importance but also as a part of social importance.

Research was conducted on the subterranean water flow and its points of discharge, with the aim of comprehending the strategic locations for the construction of Kalyanis.

This is the largest kalyani in the temple complex. The Kalyani has 20 steps, and a pillared porch on an elevated platform surrounding it, with doorways at four directions.

Initially the gopura on top was constructed from bricks but it did not stand the test of time. The ASI has rigorously & scientifically reconstructed the gopuras as they were, without any changes and to the same dimensions as before.

It is believed that the kalyani may also have been used by the devotees considering the entrance into the kalyani is directly from the outside of the temple complex. Also considering the architecture of the kalyani and the courtyard surrounding it, It may also have served as a resting space for devotees or a social space for the people of neighboring villages.

The second kalyani of the temple is just behind the mantapa at the entrance. The exact date of construction of this kalyani is unknown. However, the walls surrounding it likely are from a later period. Access to this kalyani is from the inner premises of the temple - it suggests that it probably was for use only by the priests of the temple.

Please watch your step - access to the kalyani is difficult due to the broken walls & weakening terrace.