Ballari: The erstwhile Vijayanagar empire's 500-year old temples including the temple of the king’s principle deity, Virupaksha, in the world heritage site, Hampi, will soon regain their original sheen.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Hampi mini circle has started an initiative to give a chemical wash to the ancient temples with the assistance of heritage conservationists from Chennai and Bengaluru and by involving local labourers.
The ASI has finished giving a chemical wash to the outer stone wall of the Virupaksha temple and work is under progress on the temple's gopura on the northern side and the adjacent stone walls in the first phase.
ASI sources said that due to rain and dust which has accumulated over the centuries, the gopura had lost its sheen. The ASI has painted the outer wall of the temple and the stone pillars of mantaps inside the temple precincts with limestone and coloured them maroon last year and now, the chemical wash is being taken up.
Sources said that in the second phase, ASI has chosen Badavilinga, Achyutharaya temple, Ananthashayana temple near Hosapete and the famed Vijaya Vittala temple which has a musical pillar, for the chemical wash.
This will remove the dust on the stuccos and also the colour to restore it to its original state without affecting the carvings or architectural beauty, according to ASI sources.
The ASI which uses traditional chemical conservation methods to clean the monuments under its care, is now considering hi-tech methods that fit its budget. “We need to keep our eyes open for the latest stone treatment modes for better handling of the geochemistry of stones", said an officer.
The grass sprouting in the vicinity of monuments and even on top of the gigantic structures, has turned into a menace for the 500-year old monuments here. Historians expressed dismay over tourists from across the world having to see grass and vegetation near the famous monuments.
Mr Prakash C Nayakada, superintending archeologist, ASI, Hampi mini circle, said chemical cleaning of Virupaksha temple is in progress. He denied any lapse and claimed conservation work is going on by engaging labourers, clearing vegetation.
