Proper Nouns Lexicon

The Vijayanagara dynasty, founded in the 14th century by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I, was one of the most powerful in southern India. It played a crucial role in promoting Hinduism and left a remarkable architectural legacy, particularly evident in Hampi.

Vikramaditya II (reign: 733-744) was a king of the Chalukya dynasty of Badami. He is renowned for his victorious campaigns against the Pallavas and his patronage of architecture.

Virupaksha is an avatar of Shiva, primarily worshipped in Southern India. He is especially associated with the Virupaksha Temple at Hampi, a World Heritage site.

Vishnu is one of the principal deities of the Hindu pantheon, commonly depicted as the protector of the universe. He is famous for his ten avatars, including Rama and Krishna, which represent his interventions on Earth to restore cosmic balance.

Vishwakarma is the Hindu god of artisans, architects, and engineers. Known as the divine creator, he is worshipped by builders and craftsmen in India for his expertise and ingenuity.

Vittala, also known as Vithoba or Vitthala, is a form of Vishnu or Krishna worshipped primarily in Maharashtra and Karnataka, famous for its temple in Hampi.

Waheguru is a central devotional term in Sikhism, used to refer to God in His transcendent form. It plays a vital role in prayer, meditation, and spiritual invocation.

Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an ancient Khmer temple located in southern Laos, known for its striking architecture and historical role in Hindu and Buddhist worship.

Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple, located within the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

The Western Roman Empire, which existed from 285 to 476 AD, was the western part of the Roman Empire, distinct from the Eastern Roman Empire. It ultimately succumbed to barbarian invasions, marking the end of antiquity.