What were the religious beliefs and practices during the Vijayanagara Empire?

During the Vijayanagara Empire, which existed from the 14th to the 17th century in South India, the religious beliefs and practices were predominantly Hindu. The empire was founded by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, who were devout followers of the Hindu deity, Lord Virupaksha (a form of Lord Shiva). As a result, the empire's religious landscape was heavily influenced by Shaivism, a sect of Hinduism that worships Lord Shiva as the supreme deity.

The rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire patronized and supported various Hindu temples, priests, and religious institutions. They actively participated in religious ceremonies and rituals, and their authority was often legitimized through their association with Hindu deities. The empire's capital, Vijayanagara (present-day Hampi), was adorned with numerous grand temples dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses.

Apart from Shaivism, the empire also embraced other sects of Hinduism, such as Vaishnavism (devotion to Lord Vishnu) and Shaktism (worship of the divine feminine energy). This inclusivity allowed for a diverse religious environment within the empire.

The Vijayanagara Empire also witnessed the rise of Bhakti movement, a devotional movement that emphasized personal devotion to a chosen deity. Prominent saints and poets like Purandara Dasa and Kanakadasa played a significant role in spreading the Bhakti movement in the region. Their compositions, known as "Keertanas," were sung in praise of various deities and served as a means of spiritual expression.

Furthermore, the empire had a strong tradition of temple administration and endowment. Temples were not only places of worship but also centers of economic and social activities. The rulers and nobles made generous donations to temples, which helped in the maintenance and expansion of these religious institutions.

Overall, the religious beliefs and practices during the Vijayanagara Empire were predominantly Hindu, with a focus on Shaivism, but also encompassing other sects of Hinduism. The empire's rulers actively supported and patronized Hindu temples and religious institutions, and the empire witnessed the flourishing of the Bhakti movement, contributing to a rich and diverse religious landscape.