Tempel und Ruinen von Hampi

The Vitthala temple has a Garuda shrine in the form of a stone chariot in the courtyard; it is an often-pictured symbol of Hampi. Above the chariot is a tower, which was removed during 1940s, as per historian Dr.S.Shettar.[80] In the front of the stone chariot is a large, square, open-pillared, axial sabha mandapa, or community hall.[79] The mandapa has four sections, two of which are aligned with the temple sanctum. The mandapa has 56 carved stone beams of different diameters, shape, length and surface finish that produces musical sounds when struck; according to local traditional belief, this hall was used for public celebrations of music and dancing.[81][82] It is classified as Karakkoil, a temple fashioned after temple chariots which are taken in procession around the temple during festivals.