Timmapura Agrahara: A Cultural Study of Vijayanagara-Hampi Temple Complex

Timmapura (currently Timmala pura) is a great artistic centre of the Vijayanagara period. This has been neglected so far. As it is in the close proximity to Hampi, the enormity and grandeur of hampi has sidelighted it. But Timmapura has occupied an important place in the long and glorious history of Vijayanagara art. Although it is not a royal foundation, its temples are in no way inferior to some major temples of hampi like Krsna and iruvengalanatha in their configuration and erection. Bayakara ramappa established the Timmapura-Agrahara in the early part of the sixteenth century. He was an astute administrator, profound scholar in Samskrta and music, and renowned architect. He has composed Svaramela kalanidhi in Samskrta, and it is a standard work on Karnatik music. Bayakara Ramappa issues a large number of inscriptions registering the construction of several temples, as many as sixteen wells and tanks, which are even today serving the people of bellary district of Karnataka. Among the several temples he created at Timmapura, Siva, Gopinatha deva, Malikarjuna are still in situ. These temples are noted for artistic and architectural elegance and excellence. Siva temple is rich in rare Saiva sculptural programme. The principal icon of Gopinathadeva temple is a matchless and marvelous creation of the art of this period. A masterly study of this agrahara is the theme of this monograph.