Famous Temples in India

Architecture

Ganigitti Temple name means ‘the oil women’s temple’ and the reason for this odd name is unexplained. It is typical example of early Vijayanagara architecture and is known for its simplicity of form and design, with influences from the late Chalukya period. Though the temple is built in the Vijayanagara style of architecture, it has some design elements that are derived from the temples of the late Chalukya era. Jain temples are normally very simple in architecture. The Ganagitti Temple follows the same principle in terms of simplicity. The huge lamp-column at the north facing entrance has an inscription to this effect. It is also referred to as the Kunthunatha jain temple. The temple is elevation has a terraced super structure over the sanctum, and a porch to the north and east. The temple has two halls and an inner sanctum. The two halls are called the antarala ardha mantapa and maha mantapa and the inner sanctum is the garbha griha of the temple. The superstructure of this temple in Hampi is made of stone. The superstructure is built in the form of a stepped pyramid that has six diminishing talas of plain horizontal slabs. A huge mana-stambha or column stands near the portico of the temple. An inscription found on the column states the name of Iruguppa Dandanayaka as the person who constructed the temple during the reign of Harihara-II.