The arch above the Sabha Mantapa located in front of the sanctum sanctorum of the Virupaksha Temple came down crashing at Hampi on Sunday.
It may be recalled that the Bishtappayya Gopura and the arch above the Sabha Mantapa had been repaired only a few months ago by the Department of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Experts from Tamil Nadu had been roped in for the renovations.
After renovation, the temple looked all new. With the collapse of the arch, the space above the Sabha Mantapa now wears a deserted look. A few locals expressed that the renovation could have been of sub-standard quality. Monkey menace at the temple premises could be another reason for the damages.
ASI superintendent P Kalimuttu said, “It is difficult to pinpoint how the arch came down crashing. A probe will be held and the structure will be repaired.” “The matter did not come under the purview of the temple administration. The ASI is in charge of the maintenance of all temples in Hampi ” said Prakash Rao, executive officer, Virupaksha Temple.