Image: 15th-16th century Achyutaraya temple yoga asana 7, Hampi Hindu monuments Karnataka (cropped)

Description: Achyutaraya temple, also called Tiruvengalanatha temple, was completed by early 16th century. A Vaishnavism temple, it had a large market. Both are now in ruins. The temple complex has closed and open square mandapas, a 100 pillar hall (10x10), and it includes Shaivism and Shaktism images, such as carved images of Lakshmi and Kali. Mini reliefs show legends from Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana. Numerous Yoga asanas particularly Hatha yoga and meditating yogis in namaste pose are seen in the reliefs of pillared halls. Hampi ruins and monuments date to pre-17th century period of South Indian history, particularly those related to the Hindu Vijayanagara Empire era (14th-16th centuries). The site consists of numerous ruins and temples over a large area, the most visited and studied are those located near the Tungabhadra river. The town derives its name from the Pampa Devi Hindu mythology in Sanskrit, with Pampa morphing into Hampa in Kannada, then Hampi. The city served as capital of the Vijayanagara rulers, was pillaged, ruined and abandoned after Muslim armies of a Sultanate coalition attacked and defeated it. In the modern era, it serves as an archaeological site and is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Title: 15th-16th century Achyutaraya temple yoga asana 7, Hampi Hindu monuments Karnataka (cropped)
Credit: Own work
Author: Ms Sarah Welch
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