The rulers of Vijayanagara were patrons of architecture and constructed many temple complexes. Important features of these temple complexes included:

• Long pillared corridors and large mandapas and pavillions were a trademark and one of the main architectural features of these temple complexes.

• The royal gateways or Raya Gopurams were immense structures which signalled the presence of the temple from a great distance and often dwarfed the towers of the central shrines.