Monday, September 25, 2017

Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi

The Veerabhadra Temple in Lepakshi has been built on a low altitude hillock of a large exposure of granite rock. This 16th century temple built by Virupanna Nayaka and Viranna, both Governors under the Vijayanagar Empire.



The architecture of the temple is that of Vijaynagar Style of that period. The main temple is laid out in three parts: the assembly hall, ante chamber and the sanctum. The assembly hall is a large sized open hall with a large space in its central part.



On the pillars and walls there are carvings of saints, guardians, musicians, dancers and 14 avatars of Shiva. Every pillar is of different style and shape. The open space in the middle part of the hall has large columns which have carvings of triple figures.



The temple also has a hanging pillar which is a medieval architectural wonder to witness. Out of the seventy pillars, this one pillar does not rest on the ground completely but hangs in the air, with enough space between its base and the ground to pass a sheet of paper through it.



On every corner of the temple one can find either carvings or paintings.

21 comments:

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

Absolutely stunning - it is amazing the fabulous things that are in the world that I've never heard of - thank you for sharing this - I plan to read more about it. Your photos are sensational and the sculptures are magnificent.

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Those carvings are so intricate and lovely~

Maggie said...

Such a fascinating place, it's walls steeped in history and tradition, the sculptures and pillars are true works of art.
Happy Mosaic Monday.

Gillena Cox said...

WOW look at all that detail, ingenious. have a nice Monday Rajesh


much love...

Ramakrishnan said...

Superb pictures !

Fun60 said...

A wealth of magnificent carvings.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Intricate carvings and statues ... not much for ne art happening over here that long ago.

Lady Fi said...

Wow - so much history.

Jeevan said...

Very interesting and impressive pillar works! Worth visited temple and well captured

Christine said...

Wonderful to observe these ancient carvings!

Anonymous said...

nice one :)

Photo Cache said...

Impressive carvings.

Worth a Thousand Words

ABC-Wednesday said...

beautiful carvings


Have a splendid ♥-warming ABC-Wednes-day / -week
♫ M e l ☺ d y ♫ (abc-w-team)
http://melodymusic.nl/21-l/

Al said...

So incredible - I'm always amazed at the stonework in these photos of yours.

Anonymous said...

mysterious lookingentrance

Roger Owen Green said...

When I see human forms within the columns, I always assume they must find the weight above them pretty onerous

ROG, ABCW

Teamgsquare said...

Lovely temple.

Su-sieee! Mac said...

Wowza! The delicate, and intricate, carvings made out of that block of granite blows my mind.

Light and Voices said...

Lovely architecture and I like how you include the history behind the photographs.

Pat Tillett said...

The carvings are AMAZING! Your photos and narrative are very interesting. I'm very glad that I found your blog!

Angie said...

The talent responsible for the carvings is amazing. I am so glad these still exist for you to enjoy and pass on to the rest of us!