The famous Lepakshi temple is situated in the Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Veerabhadra. It was built during the Vijayanagara Empire of 1336–1646.
Just at the entrance to the village of Lepakshi, there is the carving of a huge granite Nandi (bull), 20 feet in height and 30 feet in length, which is carved out of a single block stone. It faces the carved serpent in the temple complex.
The story of Veerabhadra: Once Brahma and Vishnu started fighting about who is greater. Lord Shiva appeared there in the form of a huge Shivalinga extending from top to bottom and told them that whosoever finds the beginning or end of the linga will be considered greater. Vishnu went upwards but could not find the end. Brahma went down and failed to too. But on returning he lied Shiva that that his Linga starts at way bellow at the Patala. Shiva was enraged that Brahma lied to him and out of Himself created Veerabhadra and asked him to kill brahma. Brahma apolized and prayed to be forgiven. Shiva withdrew Veerabhadra but cursed that because of the sin of telling a lie, Brahma will not be worshiped anywhere.
Legend behind the name Lepakshi: It is also believed that during the Ramayana time the great eagle Jatayu fell at this spot after his losing battle with Ravana to rescue Mata Sita. When Lord Rama came searching for Sita, the bird tells him which was Ravana took Sita. Pleased with him Lord Rama is gave liberation to the brave bird by saying “Le Pakshi” meaning ‘rise, bird’ in Telugu.
This temple complex houses the carved idols of a large Ganesha.
There is also a carving of a huge hooded snake in the outer courtyard.
There is also a large footprint that is believed to be of Lord Hanuman and it is always wet and no one could find the source of water.
Inside the temple there is an idol of Devi Durga.
Within the teple to the left there are idols of the Navagrahas.
The huge temple and the complex surrounding it is full of beautiful carvings and the specialty of the large number of carved pillars is that no two pillars are carved alike!
One of the miracles of the Lepakshi temple is the “Hanging pillar”. It is hanging from the roof without touching the ground and you can pass through a cloth under it!
The art and architecture of Lepakshi is one of the best in India and reflects the glory of the Vijayanagara empire, whose kings were great patrons of art in every form – music, dance and sculpture.
Thingas to see nearby: Veerapuram bird Sanctuary in on the way to Lepakshi. It is on the way to Lepakshi from the National Highway NH7. You have to take a diversion and Veerapuram is about 10 kms from this diversion. You can see hundreds of birds — the “painted Storks” on almost all trees in the village. The birds migrate every year to this village from Siberia and stay here from March to August to To lay and hatch the eggas and then go back to Siberia with the newly born siblings.
How to reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Bangalore airport 99 km.
By train: Puttaparti 63 km
By Road: Bangalore is 123 km, Puttaparti 63 km. On National Highway NH7 to Bangalore to Hyderabad take turn from Penukonda junction and it is 35 KM.
Accommodation: None worth mentioning at this village so you have to stay at Puttaparthi or Bangalore.
