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.
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.
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.
ReplyDeleteThose carvings are so intricate and lovely~
ReplyDeleteSuch a fascinating place, it's walls steeped in history and tradition, the sculptures and pillars are true works of art.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mosaic Monday.
WOW look at all that detail, ingenious. have a nice Monday Rajesh
ReplyDeletemuch love...
Superb pictures !
ReplyDeleteA wealth of magnificent carvings.
ReplyDeleteIntricate carvings and statues ... not much for ne art happening over here that long ago.
ReplyDeleteWow - so much history.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting and impressive pillar works! Worth visited temple and well captured
ReplyDeleteWonderful to observe these ancient carvings!
ReplyDeletenice one :)
ReplyDeleteImpressive carvings.
ReplyDeleteWorth a Thousand Words
beautiful carvings
ReplyDeleteHave a splendid ♥-warming ABC-Wednes-day / -week
♫ M e l ☺ d y ♫ (abc-w-team)
http://melodymusic.nl/21-l/
So incredible - I'm always amazed at the stonework in these photos of yours.
ReplyDeletemysterious lookingentrance
ReplyDeleteWhen I see human forms within the columns, I always assume they must find the weight above them pretty onerous
ReplyDeleteROG, ABCW
Lovely temple.
ReplyDeleteWowza! The delicate, and intricate, carvings made out of that block of granite blows my mind.
ReplyDeleteLovely architecture and I like how you include the history behind the photographs.
ReplyDeleteThe carvings are AMAZING! Your photos and narrative are very interesting. I'm very glad that I found your blog!
ReplyDeleteThe 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!
ReplyDelete