Archaeologists have identified a paired temple complex dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva at the site of a temple spire discovered five months ago during excavations behind a Jain temple near Kamal Mahal in Hampi, Vijayanagara district. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has described this as one of its most significant discoveries in recent years, noting the recovery of rare sculptural artifacts from the location.
K. Ramakrishna Reddy, the ASI officer in charge of the Hampi circle, stated that excavations at the spot where the spire was visible revealed a Vishnu temple built in the rare dvikuta style, featuring two garbhagrihas (sanctums) embedded in the earth. Constructed in accordance with traditional South Indian architectural principles, the temple faces east. Reddy noted that the sanctum and ardhamandapa (half-hall) were built using only fitted granite stones, without the use of lime or cement. He added that the remains of this paired temple are expected to shed new light on the rich history of Hampi, the architectural style of the Vijayanagara era, and the region’s artistic grandeur.