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.
Veerabhadra Temple Complex in Lepakshi is one of the ancient structures in the area. Built in 16th century this is a architectural marvel. This was built by Virupanna Nayaka and Viranna, both brothers who were Governors under the Vijayanagar Empire.
The outermost waled enclosure has three gates, of which the northern gate is used regularly. The temple complex has Veerabhadra Temple and Natya Mantapa.
Within the temple complex, to its eastern side, there is huge boulder of granite stone which on one side has carving of coiled multi-hooded serpent providing an umbrella cover over a Linga. On the other side of the same boulder there is also a huge statue of Lord Ganesha.
There are also several other structures in the complex like Shiva Linga and Hanuman.
This is twenty-first in the series on the rich cultural heritage of ancient temples in India. The ancient temples are richly carved and they behold ones attention for their craftsmanship. One of the prominent sculpture of different type are Yali which has a catlike graceful body, but the head of a lion with tusks of an elephant and tail of a serpent.
This beautiful sculpture of Yali with a warrior is in 10th century Ranganathswamy Temple at Srirangam.
This sculpture of Yali is in the 100 pillar Kalyanmantap at 1624 A.D Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple at Madurai.
This fabulous sculpture of Yali with a warrior is in 16th century Veerabadhra Temple of Lepakshi.
This sculpture is prominently seen in South Indian temples. First one is from 1515 A.D Bala Krishna Temple at Hampi, 6th century Thayumanaswami Temple at Trichy and 1010 A.D Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur.
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One of the biggest attraction at Lepakshi, 130 kms from
Bangalore is Nandi sculpture. This and Veerabadra Temple built around 1538 A.D are one of the finest specimens of Vihjaynagar architecture.
The 27ft in length and 15ft in height, this monolithic structure, is biggest Nandi in India after the Nandi at Chamundi Hills at Mysore. The fine carving of the big sculpture is inexplicable and it is a feast for the eyes. Besides the record size, the perfectly proportioned body, finely-carved chain with a bell around its neck, ear rings and other ornaments enhances its grandeur.
This big granite Nandi in the open area 200 mts of temple is built in such a way that it faces the Shivlinga inside the temple.
Lepakshi in Andra Pradesh state is at a distance of 130 kms away from
Bangalore. The place is famous for its silk saris with artificial zari borders. It is also popular for wood carvings.
As per mythology this was the place Lord Rama when searching for his abducted wife Sita, he found fallen bird Jatayu here. He commanded the bird to rise by saying, “Le Pakshi” which over time became Lepakshi.
For lovers of heritage here are:
Even though one can reach the place by either bus or train, the convenient mode of transport is by car. Start early to this place as it gets hotter later in the day.
