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2.1.2.4. Architectural Heritage- Military and Religious Structures

Fortifications: Anegundi is a fortified village, which once served as a key defensive area for

the Vijayanagara empire. These fortifications are around 5-7 m tall and made of stone walls,

bastions, gateways, watchtowers at various topographic levels and conditions such as the
boulders and the river to withstand any attacks from external threats [Fig. 23].

Thesis Report V-SPARC VIT

Fig 23. Fortification walls, gateway and bastions

Temples: Anegundi holds numerous temples dedicated to various deities of Hindu religion,

reflecting the patronage of the Vijayanagar rulers. Some of the well- known temples are

Chintamani Temple- Lord Vishnu and Huchappayana Matha Temple- Lord Rama located
withing the fortifications of Anegundi. Chintamani temple [Fig.24] follows Dravidian style

of architecture with towering gopurams and a garbhagriha. The striking inference made from
this temple is its location and visualisation over the boulders of Anegundi that is the multi-level

hierarchy of various temple structures. Certain temple structures are built around the existing
boulders encompassing them within the built. Huchappayana Matha Temple [Fig.25]

features a simple mandapa structure, with ornamentally carved pillars and a garbhagriha.

Unlike the towering gopurams, it features a flat roof made of stone slabs.

Fig 24. Chintamani Temple Fig 25. Huchappayana Temple

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