Question

Which of the following temples at Vijayagara was meant to be used only by the king and his family?

• A. Vitthala temple
• B. Chidambaram temple
• C. Hazara Ram temple
• D. Virupaksha temple

Hint:

The me “Hazara Rama” translates to “a thousand Ramas,” which refers to the multiple bas-reliefs of Lord Rama carved on the temple walls, emphasizing the divine connection claimed by the Vijayagara kings.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Alyzing the Sacred Layout of Vijayagara:
The urban core of the Vijayagara Empire was split between the sacred center (which housed massive public temples) and the royal center (the seat of the king's administration and residential palaces).

Step 2: Defining the Private Royal Sanctuary:
The Hazara Rama Temple is a highly orte temple located in the heart of the royal center. Unlike the large public temples, it has a smaller footprint. Its interior and exterior walls are covered with exquisite relief carvings depicting stories from the epic Ramaya. Historical and spatial evidence indicates that this temple served as a private chapel for the king, his queens, and close members of the royal household.

Step 3: Comparing Other Options:

• (A) The Vitthala Temple was a massive public imperial temple famous for its stone chariot and musical pillars, situated along the Tungabhadra River.
• (B) The Chidambaram Temple is a historic Shiva temple located far south in modern Tamil du, not within the capital city.
• (D) The Virupaksha Temple was a major public pilgrimage site dedicated to the patron deity Virupaksha, frequented by the general population.