The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has chalked out a detailed plan of action to give a face-lift to the ‘Gopura’ (tower) at the main entrance of Virupaksha temple and to the ‘bazaar’ in front of the temple at Hampi, the erstwhile seat of Vijayanagar Empire.
Giving a colour wash to the main ‘Gopura’ and ‘Vimana gopura’ (tower on the sanctum sanctorum), restoration of stucco figures on them, are among the works to be taken up in systematic and scientific way in the first phase of the facelift.
In the second phase, the work of cleaning the entire area on the southern side of the temple and maintaining cleanliness, restoration of the ‘saalu mantaps’ opposite to the temple, known as ‘Virupaksha bazaar’ were proposed to be taken up.
The action plan for giving a colour wash has already been submitted to the Director General of ASI for his approval and the work would commence after getting the green signal, N.C. Prakash, Deputy Superintending Archaeologist ASI Hampi Mini-Circle, Hampi, told The Hindu .
It may be mentioned here that it was only recently the Virupaksha temple and other ancient monuments, spread over an area of around 16.5 acres, were handed over to the ASI for conservation, preservation and upkeep.
