Sri Lepakshi Veerabhadra Swamy
Lepakshi is actually a small village that is situated in the east of Hindupur, which falls under the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. This settlement is famous for its artistic temples, which date back to the 16th century. A striking specimen of the Vijayanagar style of architecture is the Lepakshi Temple. It has a huge complex where three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Virabhadra are to be found. Lord Virabhadra is the wrathful form of Shiva, the patron deity of the Nayak rulers.
The temple has a central pavilion, embracing all the three shrines. This pavilion is further connected with an intermediary hall and a hall for ritual dance. A large open court that is accessible from the east surrounds the main hall. Lepakshi Temple perhaps houses the largest monolithic structure of Nagalinga in India. Another exquisite statue of Lord Ganesha captures the attention of everyone, especially when people enter the second interior court.
The interiors boast of impressive sculptures in half-relief on the granite pillars. The carvings represent dancers, drummers and divine musicians. Here, you can see Lord Brahma playing drums, celestial nymph Rambha dancing and Lord Shiva engaged in 'Ananda Tandava'. In the intermediary hall, there is a frieze that depicts geese with lotus stalks in their beaks. The flawless carvings adorn the entire temple perpetually, all of them done with the minutest of details.
Most celebrated for its splendid paintings, Lepakshi Temple has a colossal painting of Virabhadra in the central hall. In the 'Hall of Dance', one can trace eight panels, depicting Puranic legends on the ceiling. Most of the paintings and murals have been devastated by the ravages of times. Lepakshi is a notable store of expertise, which is on the brink of extinction. In concise terms, the temple is a work of art that certainly deserves a visit.
Shri Lepakshi Temple:-
During the month of February, a 10-day long celebration including the car festival is conducted in the temple. During the festival, Lepakshi is packed with pilgrims from all over the country.
The temple has a central pavilion, embracing all the three shrines. This pavilion is further connected with an intermediary hall and a hall for ritual dance. A large open court that is accessible from the east, surrounds the main hall. Lepakshi temple perhaps houses the largest monolithic structure of Nagalinga in India. Another exquisite statue of Lord Ganesha captures the attention of everyone, especially when people enter the second interior court.
The interiors boast of impressive sculptures in half-relief on the granite pillars. The carvings represent dancers, drummers and divine musicians. Here, we can see Lord Brahma playing drums, celestial nymph Rambha dancing and Lord Shiva engaged in 'Ananda Tandava'. In the intermediary hall, there is a frieze that depicts geese with lotus stalks in their beaks. The flawless carvings adorn the entire temple perpetually, all of them done with the intricate details.
Most celebrated for its splendid paintings, Lepakshi temple has a colossal painting of Virabhadra in the central hall. In the 'hall of dance', one can trace eight panels, depicting puranic legends on the ceiling. Most of the paintings and murals have been devastated by the ravages of times. Lepakshi is a notable store house of expertise, which is on the brinks of extinction. In precise terms, the temple is a work of art that certainly deserves a visit.
Veerabhadra temple is a notable example of the Vijayanagars style of architecture. A reference is made in the 'Skandapurana' to Lepakshi as one of the hundred and eight important 'Shiva Kshetras' (shrines).
This is legendary for its creative sculptures that go back to the 16th century. A specimen of the Vijayanagara style of architecture is this Lepakshi temple.
The Lepakshi temple is also known as Veerabhadra temple. The architectural beauty of the temple is unparalleled with fine carving arts.
The Lepakshi temple can be divided into three sections. They are
1. 'Mukha Mandapa', (or the 'Nitya Mandapa' or 'Ranga Mandapa'),
2. 'Artha Mandapa' and 'Garbha Griha', and
3. 'Kalyana Mandapa'.
The sculptures and the mural paintings seen in the Natya and Kalyana Mandapams are exceptional for their artistic beauty and skill. Most of these sculptures portray the mythological puranic episodes like 'Ananthasayana', 'Dattatreya', 'Chaturmukha Bramha', 'Tumburu', 'Narada' and 'Rambha'. The Lepakshi temple has been built in honor of Lord Veerabhadra. According to legends, the Kalyana Mandapa of the temple had witnessed the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati. The 'Natya' (dance) and 'Ardha' (worship) Mandapas are the best parts of the temple in terms of architecture. The 'Natya' Mandapa has been adorned with sculptured pillars depicting life-size musicians and dancers.
The Veerabhadra temple, dedicated to Veerabhadra, is found here. Designed by the brothers Viranna and Virupanna, the temple can be a notable example for the Vijayanagara architectural style. It is celebrated for its sculptures that were created by the artisans of Vijayanagara empire. An enormous Nandi (bull ) created out of one granite stone(monolithic) is one amongst the attractions in Lepakshi Temple.
The place is celebrated for being one amongst the simplest repository of mural paintings of the Vijayanagara kings. Many elderly Kannada inscriptions dating back to centuries ago, may be seen on its walls. Legend has it that the Kamarupa of the Nagalinga was sculpted out of one stone by sculptors while they waited for his or her mother to arrange for lunch.
There are three temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Virabhadra. On a hummock called Kurma Saila (tortoise formed hill), temples of ‘Papanatheswara’, ‘Raghunatha’, ‘Shrirama’, ‘Veerabhadra’ and ‘Durga’ are found. Veerabhadra temple is the most vital temple.
Lepakshi is a final testimony for Vishwakarma Brahmans who sculpted these temples. It is believed that, noted Vishwakarma Amarashilpi Jakanachari took up half of the design of these temples. The celebrated sculptors like Dakoju, Maroju took the other half work of this temple sculpture.
There are several specialities in this temple like a rock chain, Vastu Purush, Padmini race woman, the hanging pillar, Durga Paadam, Lepakshi sari styles etc. On the walls of this temple, many stories like the Mahabharatha, Ramayana are carved. On the roof area, several stunning paintings have been done by natural colours. One noted spot within the temple is the “Eyes of Viroopaakshanna”.
Though the temple of Veerabhadra is claimed to have been constructed by Saint 'Agastya' himself, it was developed into the present exquisite shrine by 'Virupanna', the treasurer of the Vijayanagara kings. He conceived the idea as he found the image of Veerabhadra.
He executed the plan in the absence of the king and used the treasury when he was away at Vijayanagara.
When the construction was almost finished and it was being supervised, the king returned and found the treasury empty. The king ordered, as a punishment to this heinous crime, that he should be blinded. The treasurer being a loyal person carried out the punishment on the spot with his own hands.
Even today one can see two dark stains on the wall near the 'Kalyana Mandapa', which are said to be the marks made by his eyes, which he himself dashed against the wall. The builder did not survive for a long time and the village is called "Lepa-akshi Lepakshi", i.e., a village of the blind eye.
Basavanna:–
This colossal monolith is a remarkable piece of art of the Vijayanagara period. It is among the largest Nandi monoliths found in India, others are at Bull Temple Bangalore, Chamundi Hill Mysore, Brihdeeshvara Temple Thanjavur. It is 15 feet high and 27 feet wide. It is said that this Nandi faces the Naga-linga of the Veerabhadra temple.
Ganda-Berunda, which later became the state emblem of Karnataka, is found carved on the neck of this Nandi monolith.
Significance of the Temple:-
This temple is the center of attraction and considered to be the area of exhibition that had holds all the three places of worships.; This area of exhibition has its connection with the hall of intermediary and hall for dance of ritual.; The hall is surrounded by an open court that is reachable from the east side. This temple of Lepakshi contained an huge structure of monolith if Nagalinga among all over the India. Upon entering the interior court second, one can find a beautiful Lord Ganesha statue that attracts everyone. There were various sculptures designed on the granite pillars of the temple’s interior. ;These carvings showed the pictures of divine musicians, drummers, and dancers. Through these sculptures, you can see the extraterrestrial fairy Rambha dancing, Ananda Tandava doing by Lord Shiva, and drums were played by the Lord Brahma. ;There were wall paintings shown on the intermediary hall having lotus stalks in the beaks of the birds. The whole temple was decorated with the beautiful carvings along with the details of minutest.
This temple of Lepakshi is very popular for its paintings and there is a beautiful Virabhadra paining in the central hall of this temple. In the dance hall, one can find the beautiful Puranic legends traced in the eight penals on the ceilings of the hall. Most of the paintings and murals have been devastated by the ravages of times. This temple of Lepakshi is a famous knowledge store that comes to an edge of destruction. In short, this temple of Lepakshi deserved to be visited at least one time.
Significance with Ramayana:-
There is a significant place for the village Lepakshi in the great Indian epic Ramayana. Sources claim that the wounded bird Jatayu by the king of Lanka Ravana fell here after a futile battle against the king who was carrying away Sita which was carrying the wife of Rama. Lord Rama assures the bird after reaching the spot who compassionately says that “Le Pakshi” which means “Arise, bird” in Telegu language.
Architecture:-
The flat stuccoed granite ceilings of the Vijayanagar Empire provided a suitable background for frescoes as seen at Lepakshi. This temple is a notable example of the Vijayanagar style of architecture, and is built on a low rocky hill, which is called Kurmasaila so called because the bill is like a tortoise, in shape. An inscription on the exit of the outer wall of the temple records that one Virupanna constructed it in the 16th century.
The Hanging Pillar of Veerabhadra Lepakshi Temple:-
The beautiful 16th century Veerabhadra temple, also known as Lepakshi temple, is located in southern Andhra Pradesh. It has 70 massive pillars built in the Vijayanagar style, out of which one pillar is the most intriguing. This pillar, unlike other pillars, does not touch the ground and hangs from the ceiling, leaving a noticeable space. People who visit the temple, pass a piece of cloth through the space.
The temple, located in Anantapur district in southern Andhra Pradesh, vijayanagara Lepakshi temple was built by the brothers Viranna and Virupanna during the reign of Achyutha Devaraya period whVijayanagaraempire from 1530 A.D to 1542 A.D. This temple, on a hillock known as Kurma Saila (tortoise shaped hill), is a treasure-house of beautiful Vijyanagara style of architecture and eye-catching paintings of 16th AD. There are three temples in one.
During the British period During the British period a curious British engineer wanted to know the technicality behind the hanging pillar in this temple. Upon trying to dislodge the pillar, to his dismay, found out that it caused the movement of adjacent pillars to maintain the equilibrium. Though it is not an earthquake area (supposedly ”Shield” area and geologically stable),the temple, it is believed, can withstand any seismic event.
Veerabhadra Temple Lepakshi:-
Lepakshi is a small village located 15-km east of Hindupur in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh. It is considered as the most important place in the district from the historical and archaeological point of view. The famous Veerabhadra temple, dedicated to Veerabhadra, is the main attraction here. Built by the brothers Viranna and Virupanna, the temple is a notable example of the Vijayanagar architectural style. It is famous for its sculptures, which were created by the artisans of Vijayanagara empire.
The hanging pillar is one of the 70 pillars which is hanging well almost on its edge .There is a story about it - a British engineer who wanted to know how the temple was supported by the pillars tried to displace one of it, and it caused the movement of as many as 10 pillars around to maintain the balance.
The presiding deity is Veerabhadra. In the exquisite shrine is a wealth of magnificent sculpture in the intricate mandapams. One mandapam has pillars with life-sized images of dancers, musicians and other sculptures, created by the artisans of the Vijayanagar empire. The huge granite Nandi Bull is carved out of a single stone. The ceilings have breathtakingly beautiful mural paintings
It was believed that Virupanna, the treasurer of the Vijayanagar Kings used the treasure when the King was away at Vijayanagar and planned to built Mandapam back to temple. When the construction was almost finished and it was being supervised the king returned and found the treasure empty. The king ordered, as a punishment to this heinous crime, that he should be blinded. The treasurer being a loyal person carried out the punishment spot with his own bands.
Even today one can see two dark stains upon the wall near the ‘Kalyana Mandapa', which are said to be the marks made by his eyes, which he himself dashed against the wall. The builder did not survive for a long time and the village is called "Lepa-akshi Lepakshi", i.e., a village of the blinded eye.
The best part is Sita Devi's foot print at the temple.
Temple’s cultural significance:-
The notable temple is a popular center of attraction for numerous deities all over the country. The holy place of lepakshi temple comprises of dance hall where rituals are performed. There is a huge monolith structure of Nagalinga, here. Once you enter the interior court, you will find a stunning statue of Lord Ganesha. Several other sculptures are etched on granite pillars inside the temple. You will find etchings of the fairy Rambha along with the portrayal of Lord Shiva’s performance of AnandaTandava. There is also an inscription of Lord Brahma’s playing of drums. Carvings represent divine musicians, drummers and dancers. Flawless and exceptional paintings adorn the walls of this historically and culturally significant place.
Importance of the presiding divinity
Principle deity of this splendid temple is Veerabhadra. This is indeed a magnificent sculpture that comprises of intricate mandapams. The Prakaram entail beautiful sculptures that include fourteen forms or avatars of Lord Shiva. According to certain religious beliefs, Virabhadra is essentially a super-being who was created by the wrath of Shiva or Rudra. Along with Veerabhadram his wife or consort, Bhadrakali was given life to by the wrath of Devi. The main deity in this temple is shown to be carrying weapons. Historians state that Virabhadra was created during the time of destroying Daksha’s fire sacrifice or yagna.
Principle idol for reverence
The idol of presiding divinity, Veerbhadra is made completely from black granite. This imposing deity is six feet tall, in height and is placed in the sanctum sanctorum or garbha gruha. Origin of this God is associated with the mythological history of DakshaYaga. Lord Shiva created Virabhadra by lashing and whipping his matted locks. This was due to deep sorrow and anger due to Sati Devi’s self-immolation. The origin of Virabhadra is considered a significant occurrence in Shaivism. When Shiva came to know about Sati’s martyr in the sacrificial fire, he plucked two locks of hair and thrashed them in the ground. This resulted in the birth of Rudrakali and Lord Veerabhadra.
Presence of other shrines
The Skanda Purana comprises of a reference in regards to Lepakshi. It states that there are one hundred and eight essential shrines or Shaiva Kshetras. The chief deity is obviously Veerabhadra, who is a furious and livid avatar of Lord Shiva. Other divinities who find lace in this temple are Goddess Parvati, who also wears a livid and sad appearance. Numerous shrines are dedicated to Sri Rama, Virabhadra Swamy, Raghunatha, Durga, Papaneswara, Shiva, and Vishnu.
Essential rites and rituals
The main shrines of Virabhadra Swamy and Goddess Durga are worshiped in this holy place. The lepakshi temple timings are 5:00 am to 9:00 pm. This temple is open throughout the week. Rites and rituals that are performed here were classified and sanctified by Shri Shankaracharya. Apart from worshipping Lord Virabhadra, worshipping of various other Gods and Goddesses takes place. Some of them are Sri Kashi Vishwanatha, Ganesha, Parvathi, Nandi, Narayana Swamy, Chandikeshwara, Uthsava Murthy, Kalabhairava. Priests and pujaris perform certain rituals. These include Navagraha Puja, Rudrabhisheka, Panchambrutha and Akki Puja. Pujaris also conduct special ceremonies and sacraments like Agni Kunda, Muthina Pallaki, Veergasa, Dolu, Danuur Masa Puja and others. By performing specific rituals, you can certainly attain ultimate moksha.
Lepakshi Paintings:-
The paintings of the temple of Lepakshi is made of orange red background and shown in a style of its own.; These paintings showed the jewelry format, people’s hairstyle, and textile patterns through its designs. One of the most beautiful and elegant painting is of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva’s wedding. Some of the guests wearing the traditional jewelry and costumes in the wedding were also shown in this painting. ;In this temple, also there is a huge statue of Nandi Bull is present. This Nandi statue is about 27 feet long and 15 fee tall made of chunk of single granite.; A statue of Shiva Linga, Naga linga also there covered with the hooded serpent over the Linga. ;According to the past history, the workers create this sculpture while waiting for their lunch.
Paintings of the Natya Mandapa – The first panel at the entrance is a large panel depicting the Manu Needhi Cholan Story. This long panel, measuring 18.5 m by 2 m, depicts the story of a legendary Chola king named Manu Needhi. The events of this story took place at Thiruvarur. A calf was crushed by a horse-cart driven by a prince. The cow, mother of the calf, rang the bell at the court of the king. When the king came to know about it he enquired about the events. Thus he came to know about the calf which was crushed under the chariot of his own son.
Manu Needhi consulted his gurus and decided to punish his son in the same manner. Hence, he ordered his son to be crushed under the wheels of that same chariot which will made the king also to suffer in the same way the cow is suffering at the moment. This event of rare justice was witnessed by the celestial bodies. Shiva and Parvati also witnessed it and came down to earth to restore the life of the prince and the calf and to give their blessing to the righteous king.
In the above picture, the dead-body of the calf is placed above a horse-cart having six wheels and driven by two horses. The mother of the calf, the cow, is standing behind the cart. The cart is driven by a charioteer holding a whip. The prince was made to lie in front of the cart and got crushed beneath the wheels. Right next, Shiva appeared with Parvati riding over Nandi. The cow and the calf and the king and his queen are standing in front of them.
The central portion of the Natya-Mandapa roof is divided into many sections which are painted in the following order, starting from left to right.
The section on the leftmost position depicts the scenes of Draupadi’s svamvara. On leftmost side is shown Kala-Bhairava depicted with eight arms holding a severed human head and a bowl. Two persons, one short and one big are shown in front of him, one of them would be Drupad worshiping his tutelary god. Next on right is Drupad seated with his daughter, Draupadi, in his lap. Next on right, in front of Drupad, Arjuna is shown shooting the matsya-yantra (fish dial) with an arrow looking its reflection in the water below the dial. This follows by the marriage of Arjuna with Draupadi.
The next section shows two scenes. Left side is showing Vatapatrashayi Krishna depicting baby Mukunda lying in a reclining posture on a Pipal leaf, floating on primeval waters. Krishna is suckling his toe holding his foot with both hands. On the right of this scene is shown Virupanna’s Retinue. Virupanna and Viranna are shown worshiping their tutelary deity, Veerbhadra, with their family members.
The next panel depicts a single large story showing Shiva’s Marriage. Parvati is shown seated on a raised seat, accompanied by six maidens. She is depicted in green having her hair in a long plait. The maidens are all shown wearing various ornaments and their hair either tied into a huge bun or as a long plait. None of these wear blouses. Parvati is seated facing two ladies, both holding tamburas. Next we see a large scene depicting 28 figures delineated graphically across the roof. Shiva and Parvati takes the central stage, standing facing each other holding hands.
Sitting on their left is Brahma, the priest officiating this wedding. On Brahma’s left are standing ashta-dikpalas, eight directional guardians, with their usual attributes. Himavat and his wife are standing behind Parvati in the act of kanyadana ceremony. On their right are shown few ladies holding flower plates and raising their hands to bless the newlywed couple. On their right is standing Vishnu, depicted with four hands holding his usual attributes. On his right is shown Shiva in his Sada-shiva form. Sada-shiva is shown with five heads having a third eye on each of these. On his right are standing various rishis and saints.
Kiratarjuniya occupies the three sides of the centre of the Natya Mandapa. Dharmaraja (Yudhishthir) is shown seated in his court accompanied by his three brothers, Bhima, Nakula and Sahadeva. Arjuna is shown standing in front of him, taking leave to start his journey to get weapons from Shiva. Next is shown Arjuna on his journey to the Himalayas where he was assisted by some gandharvas. Indra came to know about his mission and came to meet him and guided on how to get the weapons.
Arjuna went into deep and hard penance. Next is shown Shiva’s place where various gods came to meet him and informed about Arjuna’s penance. Shiva and Parvati appears in form of a hunter and huntress near the place where Arjuna was engaged in penance. A demon took the form of a wild boar and appears at the same spot. Arjuna and Shiva both shot their arrows and a duel broke over the claim of the hunt. While fighting, Arjuna realized that it is not a human being in the dress of a hunter and he went prostrate in front of the hunter. Shiva transformed into his real form and granted the weapon ‘Pashupata’ to him.
The centre of the Natya Mandapa roof is decorated with a mural depicting King Muchukunda. He was the monkey-faced legendary Chola king who is attributed to have established Lord Thyagaraja at the Tiruvarur temple from the heavens. The section on the right of the centre shows Shiva and Parvati playing Chess. Shiva and Parvati are seated on a pedestal and playing the game of chess. They are accompanied by several gods and rishis. In the next scene on the same section is shown Shiva as Dakshinamurti aspect.
The section right next to the above one displays Nataraja, dancing inside a prabhavali. Ashta-dikpalas and various demi-gods are shown playing various musical instruments on either side of Nataraja. The last section on the rightmost of the Natya Mandapa roof shows the Coronation of Rama. This ruined painting depicts the coronation of Rama when he returned from Lanka after victory over Ravana. Hanumana is also seen in front of him. Sage Vashishtha is seated next to Hanumana. On the right of Rama are standing Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna. Sita is seated on Rama’s left sharing the same pedestal. Several monkey chiefs are also standing witnessing the event.
Paintings on the outer Maha-Mandapa – The starting section at the entrance of the Maha-Mandapa is decorated with a very large panel displaying fifteen various forms of Shiva. These forms are, from left to right, Lingodbhava-murti or Markandeyanugrahamurti as explained by C Sivaramamurti, Andhakantaka, Yoga-Dakshinamurti, Chandesha-anugrahamurti, Bhikshatana-murti, Harihara, Chandrashekhara, Ardha-nareeshvara, Kalyanasundara, Tripurantaka, Gangadhara, Nataraja in bhujangatrasita psoture, Vrishabharudha-murti and Parvati.
Stepping ahead, the roof is divided into various sections. Sections on the left of the entrance are mostly ruined. However, it seems that these depict some scenes from Ramayana as the sections on the right of the entrance continue over the stories from Ramayana. First section on the right of the entrance shows king Dasharatha seated on his throne. On its right is a panel divided into three rows, depicts the scene of the putra-kameshti yajna performed by Dasharatha, departure of Rama and Lakshmana with Vishvamitra. The rightmost section panel is also divided into three rows, depicting the events related to the marriage of Rama and Sita.
Paintings of the Maha-mandapa – The open portion of the Maha-Mandapa is covered with many paintings. Just after the entrance, there is a Cheetah hunt scene displayed in a large panel. In the other paintings we see Ardha-nareeshvara, Shiva , Vishnu, Veerabhadra, Nataraja, abduction of Sita by Ravana, Uma-Maheshvara, Ashta-dikpalas on their mounts, Kanappa’s story, king Muchukunda and a royal procession.
The center of the roof of the Maha-Mandapa carries a large painting of Veerbhadra with Virupanna and Viranna standing on his either sides as devotees. C Sivaramamurti writes that this magnificent large panel, probably the largest painting anywhere that represents Veerbhadra, is even larger to an extent than the largest painting of Shiva anywhere in any temple, larger even than that of the Tripurantaka in the Brihadishvara Temple at Thanjavur. Gopala Rao mentions that it is the largest mural in Asia, measuring 7.7×4.3 m.
Paintings of the Raghunatha Shirne – The roof of this shrine has three rows of paintings having three panels each. We see here Narasimha, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Lakshmi-Narayana, Kurmavatara and Matsyavatara.
Paintings of the Shayanagara – The roof of this structure is divided in three panels. We see here Uma-Maheshvara, Shiva seated in sukhasana posture and a temple enshrining Shiva-linga.
Paintings on the circumambulatory path around the Veerbhadra shrine – Paintings are found on the circumambulatory path in between the Veerbhadra shrine and Raghunatha shrine. Following scenes can be found here, Uma-Maheshvara, Shiva on Kailasha, Narasimhi, Venugopala, Durga as Mahishasuramardini, Bhairava, Sada-shiva, Kaliya-mardana and Ganesha.
Inscriptions: About 20 inscriptions are found in and around this temple. Majority of these are from the reign of the Vijayanagara king Achyutaraya (1539-42 CE).
Eco attraction/Eco excursion:-
Many of the architectural temple complexes of Lepakshi embody excellence of architectural heritage of India. Viewing this archaeological and historical sites let tourists waver between history and today. Temples dating back to 1530 AD are set today in location far from heavy footfalls, which increases the joy of discovering it.
Veerabhadra Temple, one of the most prominent among all temples of Lepakshi was built by saint Agastya, which was further developed by Virupanna, a treasurer of Vijayanagar king. The 38 monolithic pillars of the temple are best charecteristic of its magnificence.
Inside the temple complex lies the Nandi Bull. In fact it is one of the first thing to catch one's attention while visiting the complex. Made up of single granite stone, the bull statue is of great historical and religious importance in Hindu mythology as it is said to be the vehicle of lord Shiva. Lepakshi is one place, unlike routine tourist destination, which has deep significance in its every part. Whether you are gazing at its mural painting or walking through its magnificent Veerabhadra Temple, you will regret not a even a bit for choosing this wonderful gateway as your holiday spot.
Lepakshi Temple Festivals:-
The temple festival is held in February for 10 days, when this quaint town becomes the hub of pilgrims!
Another temple worth visiting is the Parsavanatha temple of 11th century located north of Lepakshi. This Chalukya Style Temple has a sculpture of Parsavanatha in front of an undulating serpent. You can also visit the two granite Hindu temples nearby, dedicated to Rama and Siva dating back to the early Vijayanagar period.
An Ashram of Sai Baba is another popular place at Lepakshi. It is a large complex which can accommodate thousands of devotees. The complex also houses a canteen, shops, museum and a library.
There is an interesting legend regarding nomenclature of Lepakshi. It says Lepakshi is from the Ramayana and it specifically refers to the spot where the bird Jatayu, was wounded while trying to rescue Sita from Ravana. Lord Rama upon discovering the plight of Jatayau, says with compassion “Le Pakshi”, which in Telugu means “Get up, bird”.
The Case of Blinded Eyes:-
The Veerabhadra temple was built by the Vijay Nagar Empire’s treasurer Virupana while the King was away. Virupanna used the treasury during the King’s absence to fund the construction. Upon return, the King was furious and ordered Virupana’s eyes be taken out. Virupanna didnot wait for the King’s order to be carried out and plucked out his eyes himself. In fact one can see two dark stains upon the wall near the 'Kalyana Mandapa' which are supposed to be the marks of Virupanna’s eyes.
How to reach:-
By Road:-
Lepakshi is easily accessible via National Highway No. 7 if you are coming from Bangalore. The village is 15 km from the town of Anantpur and about 476 km from Hyderabad. The state runs several buses at regular intervals to Lepakshi from the nearby towns and cities. There are also deluxe buses available from Hyderabad and Bangalore that take you to Lepakshi.
By Train:-
There is no railway station at Lepakshi. One has to take a train going to Anantpur to reach Lepakshi. The railway station at Anantpur is connected to the rest of the country via a strong network of trains. Trains from Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Delhi pass through the town of Anantpur. You can take a taxi, or a bus to reach Lepakshi from Anantpur railway station.
By Air:-
The airport nearest to Lepakshi is at Hyderabad. The airport at Hyderabad is both domestic as well as international. It receives flights from major cities and towns of the country as well as from the world over. You can take a private cab from the airport to reach Lepakshi or take a train from Hyderabad Central to reach the town nearest to Lepakshi.
