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Andhra Pradesh

Lepakshi Temple

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map

January

13.3 - 34.5 °C

February

14.9 - 37.7 °C

March

18.0 - 40.8 °C

April

21.2 - 42.2 °C

May

21.7 - 42.3 °C

June

22.5 - 39.4 °C

July

22.2 - 37.0 °C

August

22.2 - 36.2 °C

September

21.4 - 36.2 °C

October

19.5 - 35.1 °C

November

15.5 - 33.5 °C

December

13.3 - 32.5 °C

Major Airports :

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru

Nearest Railway Station :

Anantapur Railway Station (ATP)

Major Airports :

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru

A sanctuary of architectural brilliance and artistry

The Lepakshi Temple, or the Sri Veerabhadra Temple, is a captivating gem situated in the temple town of Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh. Dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra, a fierce form of Lord Shiva, this 16th-century marvel flourished under the reign of the Vijayanagara kings.

 

Step within and be mesmerised by the intricate carvings and vibrant frescoes that adorn nearly every surface. Lepakshi Temple is a masterpiece of Vijayanagara architecture. Lose yourself in the profusion of carvings and paintings, each detail whispering tales of the past. This exquisite artistry has earned the temple its place as one of the most spectacular Vijayanagara temples and a centrally protected monument of national importance.

 

But Lepakshi's true marvel lies in its defiance of gravity. The famed hanging pillar, defying logic for centuries, is a testament to the architectural genius of its creators. This remarkable feat continues to be a source of wonder and amazement for visitors from all corners of the globe. Near the temple grounds, the 70-foot-tall monolithic statue of Nandi (the sacred bull of Lord Shiva), one of the largest of its kind in the world, will leave you awestruck. Let's embark on a virtual exploration of the enigmatic Lepakshi Temple.

A divine masterpiece

Located atop Kumarasailam, a low—lying hill resembling a tortoise (‘kumara’ means tortoise, ‘sailam’ means hill), the temple complex has shrines dedicated to Papanasesvara, Raghunatha, Parvati, Ramalinga, and Hanumalinga, in addition to Veerabhadra. The entire complex is divided into distinct sections, each serving a unique purpose.

Prepare to be dazzled by the Natya Mandapa (dance pavilion), the most ornate structure within the temple complex. Its ceilings are adorned with breathtaking murals depicting scenes from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranas. Here you can witness Lord Krishna as an infant playfully sucking his toe or marvel at the divine union of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, blessed by Brahma himself or be vowed by Kiratarjuniyam (combat between Arjun and Lord Shiva). The central masterpiece is a colossal mural of Lord Veerabhadra, possibly the largest in Asia. Keep an eye out for depictions of at least 15 avatars of Shiva, further enriching the visual appeal.

As you step into the Ardha Mandapa, the foyer leading to the sanctum, the artistry continues to capture your attention. The murals here seamlessly blend with those of the Natya Mandapa, creating a cohesive narrative. A veil of mystery surrounds the unfinished Kalyana Mandapa, believed to be the celestial wedding venue of Shiva and Parvati. Local folklore whispers a tale of two brothers, Virupanna and Veeranna, who embezzled funds to build this magnificent temple. When their actions were exposed, they were condemned by the emperor and forced to abandon the construction, leaving the Kalyana Mandapa incomplete. Legends claim that rust-coloured stains on the walls outside this hall are remnants of their punishment – the blood from their blinded eyes.

The hanging pillar and Sita’s footprint!

Undoubtedly, the most famous marvel of the temple is the gravity-defying pillar, appearing to be suspended in mid-air. Locals love to showcase this wonder by passing objects underneath it, leaving visitors in awe. Legend whispers of a British engineer who attempted to unravel the secret behind this feat, accidentally dislodging the pillar slightly from its original position. Then, keep an eye out for a giant footprint engraved in the stone, believed to belong to Sita, consort of Lord Rama. The intriguing detail – the big toe is perpetually filled with water!

Explore the Nagalinga, a powerful Shiva linga sheltered by a seven—hooded snake. Legend has it that the sculptors, waiting for their lunch, created this magnificent snake to pass the time! You'll also encounter captivating sculptures of Ganesha, a scene with a snake, spider, and elephant worshipping a linga, and numerous Kannada inscriptions, a testament to the temple's proximity to the Karnataka border.

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Timings

Opening time - 06:00 AM

Closing time - 06:00 PM

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Witness the majesty of Nandi

A short distance from Lepakshi Temple, a majestic guardian awaits—the colossal Nandi statue. Also revered as Basavanna, this imposing figure, carved from a single massive stone, is the largest monolithic Nandi statue in all of India! Seated regally, the Nandi faces the Nagalingeshwara sculpture housed within the temple, symbolising its role as a protector and loyal companion to Lord Shiva.

Adorned with an intricate necklace and a garland of bells, the Nandi statue exudes an aura of grandeur. Standing tall at 15 feet and stretching an impressive 27 feet in length, its perfectly proportioned body is a testament to the exceptional skills of the sculptors. The finely carved ornaments and smooth contours further enhance its visual appeal, making it a captivating sight and a popular spot for capturing unforgettable travel memories.

Myths, legends, and history

Lepakshi Temple's story stretches back centuries, its origins shrouded in a captivating blend of myth and historical evidence. The earliest known reference to the site appears in the Skanda Purana, a revered Hindu text. Here, Lepakshi finds mention as ‘Lepakshya-Papanasanah,’ one of the 108 sacred pilgrimage sites (divya kshetras) dedicated to Lord Shiva.

One legend weaves a beautiful tale linking Lepakshi to the epic Ramayana. Jatayu, a valiant bird, is said to have fallen here after a fierce battle with Ravana, the king of Lanka, who had abducted Sita. Upon reaching the site, Rama, filled with compassion, uttered the words "Le Pakshi" (meaning ‘Arise, bird’ in Telugu) to the wounded Jatayu. Another story suggests the name originates from ‘lepa akshi,’ which translates to ‘embalmed eye’ in Telugu. This interpretation might be linked to a specific painting within the temple's interiors.

While Puranic legends attribute the temple's creation to the mythical Sage Agastya, historical evidence points towards a more recent origin. Records indicate that Virupanna, an officer serving King Achyuta Raya, and his brother Veeranna, were most likely responsible for the temple's construction. This conclusion is supported by the presence of around 20 inscriptions found within the temple complex, with the earliest one dating back to 1583 AD.

The marvel awaits

Lepakshi Temple stands as a testament to the artistic and cultural zenith of the mid-Vijayanagara period. A treasure trove of sculptures and paintings, it embodies the continuity of traditions, showcasing the influence of Chalukyas, Hoyasalas, and Kakatiyas, skillfully blended with local customs. Remarkably, the temple houses the only surviving fresco paintings from this era, making it a true gem for art enthusiasts.

While the temple welcomes visitors year-round, the experience truly comes alive during vibrant festivals and the annual Lepakshi Utsavam (usually held around March). The timeless masterpiece awaits!