Lepakshi village in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, India; is culturally and archaeologically significant as the location of shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Virabhadra which were built during the Vijayanagara Empire period. It is most famous for the Veerabhadra temple built in the 1570s-80s. It is said, Virupanna Nayaka and Vienna, governors of Penukonda under Vijayanagar Empire during King Achutaraya’s reign; commissioned and built the temple, famous for its beautiful sculptures. The village is situated at a distance of 120 km from Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Numerous legends are associated with the temple dedicated to Veerabhadra, a fearsome manifestation of Shiva, one of them being the name Lepakshi is associated with the bird Jatayu of Ramayana. Every year on MahashLepakshi Temple– Legendary Temple Known for its Architecture and Sculptures Lepakshi village in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, India; is culturally and archaeologically significant as the location of shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Virabhadra which were built during the Vijayanagara Empire period.
It is most famous for the Veerabhadra temple built in the 1570s-80s. It is said, Virupanna Nayaka and Vienna, governors of Penukonda under Vijayanagar Empire during King Achutaraya’s reign; commissioned and built the temple, famous for its beautiful sculptures. The village is situated at a distance of 120 km from Bengaluru, Karnataka. Numerous legends are associated with the temple dedicated to Veerabhadra, a fearsome manifestation of Shiva, one of them being the name Lepakshi is associated with the bird Jatayu of Ramayana. Every year on Mahashivratri, for 10-days, the temple is visited by hordes of pilgrims.
There are only a couple of budget hotels and restaurants in the area. Lepakshi has the inspiration and idea behind the peaks handicraft emporium. Located on the southern side of the village, the temple is built on a hillock called ‘Kurma Saila’ or ‘tortoise hill’. Considered the finest example of Vijayanagar architecture style, it has intricately carved idols of Vishnu, Ganesha, Bhadrakali, Veerabhadra, Nandi, Shiva, and Lakshmi. Exquisitely designed fresco on the ceiling, depicting tales from Ramayan, Puran, and Mahabharat. The most spectacular painting is the 24-ft by 14-ft mural depicting the wedding of Shiva and Parvati.
Well connected by rail, road, and air through Bangalore and Hyderabad, Lepakshi is open to tourism throughout the year tho8ugh the summer season is best avoided. The legend goes that Virupanna built the temple using money from kingdoms’ treasury, without kings’ knowledge; when he was away. When Achutaraya returned, he found the treasury empty and ordered Viruppana to be punished and construction stopped, who reportedly gauged out his own eyes at Kalyan mandapam. the spot where his eyes reportedly fell resembles an eye and are always red.
The temple has three parts namely Mukha Mandapam, Ardha Mantapam, and Garbhagriha. Its’ surroundings are a repository of murals of Vijayanagar Kings. Several old Kannada inscriptions can also be found on temple walls. A legend says, the temple was built here because Jatayu fell on earth here; after fighting with Raavan to save Sita. When Ram came here and saw Jatayu, he said ‘Le Pakshi’, from which this place got its name. AP state handicraft emporium also bears’ same name.
A sign of ancient structural engineering ingenuity of that time is a hanging pillar, one of the 70 pillars at Veerabhadra temple. A paper or thin piece of cloth can pass through the pillar’s bottom unhindered. Tourists can try slipping a piece of cloth underneath it. The pillar is slightly dislodged from its original position after a British engineer during the colonization period; tried to move it, to uncover its secret. But when the temple started shaking, the attempt was abandoned. Beautiful designs on the pillars have been replicated on Lepakshi sarees. Another legend is of a footprint on the temple floor.
The natural footprint gives impression that someone stamped his/her foot with massive strength on the floor. Legend says it belongs to either Ram or Hanuman or Sita. Surprisingly, the footprint is always wet with water seeping from underneath that constantly cleans it; though source of water is still unknown.Although located in Andhra Pradesh, Lepakshi is best accessed from Bangalore, Karnataka on NH 7 via Hindupur; a nearly 3-hour drive. Hindupur is well connected rail, road with rest of India; air-link provided by Bangalore. However, if starting early morning, expect to drive through mist and fog. A small village there is just one hotel accommodation to stay; but there are a few food outlets and hotels on the highway.
At a short distance from Veerbhadra temple, is the colossal 27-ft long and 15-ft high monolithic Nandi statue, In front of Basavanna temple; biggest in the world. A prime tourist attraction, it has been carved out of a single granite rock. A park has been built surrounding the Nandi statue, with paved walkway and a small lake. Beautiful sculptures and mural paintings adorn walls of natya shala/dance hall and unfinished Kalyana Mandapams/wedding hall. Intricately carved sculptures on pillars of natya shala, depict dancing nymphs like Rambha and drummer Bhahma.
Specialty of the pillars is bas relief work; meaning they were sculpted from one piece of granite rock, after being erected at the place. Another attraction is the seven-headed snake covered shivlinga, carved out of a single piece of granite. Other attractions include, a temple with gargantuan statue of Ganesha and a leafless tree. Open throughout the year, best time to visit is from October to February. Better to visit early morning, as the temple is built on a hillock and as visitors aren’t allowed entry with shoes; walking barefoot even with socks, is difficult when sun is high, especially during summer. Tourist can also visit the nearby Parsavanatha temple and Sai Baba Ashram.
