<h4>Restoration Initiative at Virupaksha Temple</h4><p>The <strong>Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)</strong> has initiated restoration work on the collapsed <strong>saalu mantapa</strong> or <strong>pavilion</strong> at the iconic <strong>Virupaksha Temple</strong>.</p><p>This temple is a significant part of the <strong>Group of Monuments at Hampi</strong>, which is designated as a <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site</strong>.</p><div class="info-box"><strong>Restoration Target:</strong> Collapsed <strong>saalu mantapa</strong> (a type of <strong>Mandapa</strong>)<br><strong>Location:</strong> <strong>Virupaksha Temple</strong>, <strong>Hampi</strong><br><strong>Agency:</strong> <strong>Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)</strong></div><h4>Key Facts About Virupaksha Temple, Hampi</h4><p>The <strong>Virupaksha Temple</strong> is a historic <strong>7th-century Shiva temple</strong> located in <strong>Hampi</strong>, in <strong>Central Karnataka</strong>.</p><p>The main deity worshipped here is <strong>Lord Virupaksha</strong>, who is also revered by the name <strong>Pampapathi</strong>.</p><div class="key-point-box"><strong>Temple Age:</strong> <strong>7th-century</strong><br><strong>Deity:</strong> <strong>Lord Virupaksha</strong> (also <strong>Pampapathi</strong>)<br><strong>Location:</strong> <strong>Hampi</strong>, <strong>Central Karnataka</strong><br><strong>Significance:</strong> Part of a <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site</strong></div><div class="exam-tip-box"><strong>UPSC Relevance:</strong> Questions on <strong>temple architecture</strong>, <strong>UNESCO sites</strong>, and the role of <strong>ASI</strong> are common in <strong>GS Paper I (Art & Culture)</strong>. Understanding specific restoration projects demonstrates awareness of current heritage conservation efforts.</div>