The term “Le Pakshi” in Telugu translates to “Rise, Bird”. This name originates from the epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama encounters the dying Jatayu and grants him the blessing to ascend to heaven. The ancient Hindu scripture Skandapurana identifies Lepakshi as one of the 108 significant Shaivite pilgrimage sites in Southern India. Another narrative suggests that Lepakshi was derived from ‘Lepa + Akshi’, signifying ’embalmed eye’.

THE MAGNIFICENT NAGA-LINGA SCULPTURE INSIDE LEPAKSHI TEMPLE

Lepakshi, situated around 120 km north of Bangalore, is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. This small village in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh, India, is located just 15 km away from Hindupur. The renowned Lepakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra, a form of Shiva, was constructed during the reign of the Vijayanagara Kings (1336–1646).

The temple, constructed in AD-1530 on a small hillock resembling a tortoise, is famously known as Kurma Saila. According to historical records, the temple was commissioned by two siblings named Virupanna and Viranna, who served as Governors during the rule of King Achutaraya.

MASSIVE MONOLITHIC GANESHA IDOL INSIDE LEPAKSHI VEERABHADRA TEMPLE

LEPAKSHI TEMPLE COURTYARD

A VIEW OF OUTER YARD AND KALYANA MANDAP

THE INCOMPLETE KALYANA MANDAP ( MARRIAGE HALL)

ANOTHER VIEW OF THE INCOMPLETE KALYANA MANDAP ( MARRIAGE HALL)

An intriguing tale surrounds the temple’s construction, involving Virupanna, the treasurer of the Vijayanagara Kingdom. While the King was absent, Virupanna managed the funds for the temple’s development. However, upon the King’s return during the construction of Kalyana Mandapa, he discovered the treasury was depleted. Enraged, the King commanded Virupanna to have his eyes removed as punishment. In a display of unwavering loyalty, Virupanna extracted his own eyes and hurled them against the wall. Legend has it that the two red marks on the wall are remnants of his blood. It is said that the village derived its name (Lepa + Akshi) from this tragic event. Nevertheless, the Kalyana Mandapa remains unfinished.

THE INCOMPLETE KALYANA MANDAP ( MARRIAGE HALL) WATCH THE CLOSE-UP OF THE MARKED AREA IN THE NEXT PICTURE

THE MARKS ON THE WALL ARE SUPPOSED TO BE THE BLOOD STAINS FROM VIRUPANNA’S EYES

MARVELOUS CARVINGS INSIDE THE TEMPLE

The Lepakshi temple showcases the distinctive temple architecture of the Vijayanagara period, featuring structures such as the ‘Mukha Mandapa’ (also known as ‘Nitya Mandapa’ or ‘Ranga Mandapa’), the ‘Artha Mandapa’, the ‘Garbha Griha’ (or the Sanctum Sanctorum), and the ‘Kalyana Mandapa’. This temple is renowned for its intricately carved pillars and murals.

The temple premises boast of captivating sculptures, notably the multi-hooded serpent (Naga) enveloping a large Shiva-Linga and a colossal Ganesha idol meticulously crafted from a single stone. Legend has it that the Naga-Linga statue was intricately carved by skilled young artisans as they patiently awaited their mothers to deliver their midday meal.

ANOTHER VIEW OF THE CARVINGS ON PILLARS INSIDE THE TEMPLE

Most of the ceiling potions of the hall are covered with mural paintings depicting the scenes from epics as well as contemporary art & costumes. The beautiful carving patterns & designs found on the pillars are also unique to this temple.  Interestingly, there is brand of Sarees available in the market called ‘Lepakshi Saree’ influenced by the artistic designs found in this temple.

A SAMPLE OF THE EXQUISITE MURALS FOUND ON THE CEILING

THOSE BEAUTIFUL CARVINGS STILL INFLUENCE THE BORDER DESIGNS OF LEPAKSHI SAREES

Veerabhadra temple, like many other Indian temples, is supported by intricately balanced monolithic stone pillars. Interestingly, this temple is balanced on 70 massive stone pillars, with one of them hanging in mid-air. Locals claim it to be a miracle, but upon closer inspection, it is evident that a corner of the pillar touches the floor, bearing the weight of the entire structure. An intriguing story is shared by the locals about a curious British engineer who attempted to move one of the pillars, causing 10 adjacent pillars to shift to maintain equilibrium. This showcases the advanced ancient Indian architecture designed to withstand earthquakes and natural disasters.

A Nandi bull, standing at a height of 20 feet and sculpted from a single granite block, rests 200 meters from the temple, gazing towards it. This magnificent bull has quietly witnessed the rich history of Lepakshi for more than five centuries.

THE SO-CALLED HANGING PILLAR OF LEPAKSHI. A PIECE OF CLOTH GOES UNDERNEATH THE PILLAR WITH EASE.

NAVAGRAHA WORSHIP INSIDE THE TEMPLE

THE DWARAPALIKA OR GATEKEEPER LADY IN FRONT OF THE TEMPLE

How to reach Lepakshi from Bangalore :

Driving Directions :

• by NH7(AH-43) : Bangalore-Hebbal-Devanahalli-Chikkaballapura-Kodikonda-Lepakshi : 122Km
• by SH9 : Bangalore-Hebbal-Yelahanka-Doddaballapura-Hindupur-Lepakshi : 117Km