The correct option is Lepakshi.
Explanation
The Virbhadra Temple is a quintessential example of Vijayanagara art and architecture from the 16th century. While the Vijayanagara style is famous for its grand temple structures, this specific temple is uniquely celebrated for preserving the finest specimens of mural paintings (frescoes) of that era on its ceilings.Option Analysis
- Lepakshi Lepakshi: Correct. The Virbhadra Temple is located in Lepakshi, in the Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh. Built by the brothers Virupanna and Viranna (governors under King Achyuta Deva Raya), it features extensive ceiling murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas. It is also famous for the "Hanging Pillar."
- Hampi Hampi: Incorrect. Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and contains major temples like Virupaksha and Vittala. However, the specific temple renowned for this extensive collection of Vijayanagara-style murals is located in Lepakshi, not Hampi.
- Trichy Trichy: Incorrect. Tiruchirappalli is primarily known for the Rockfort Temple and Srirangam, representing Dravidian architecture with significant contributions from the Nayakas, distinct from the Lepakshi site.
- Thanjavur Thanjavur: Incorrect. Thanjavur is the center of Chola architecture (e.g., Brihadeeswarar Temple). While it has famous frescoes, they belong to the Chola period (and later Nayaka overlays), which are stylistically different from the Vijayanagara murals at Lepakshi.
Key Takeaway:
The Lepakshi temple represents the zenith of Vijayanagara pictorial art (murals) and is architecturally distinct for its Hanging Pillar and the nearby colossal monolithic Nandi.