Lepakshi

Lepakshi Temple

Naga Lingeswara

Lepakshi is a small village located in the Anantapur Dist in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is 20 kms from Hindupur and about 120 kms North of Bangalore. one can take a bus or a train to Hindupur and then travel to Lepakshi.

 

 

 

Main Entrance

 

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Lepakshi is very important historically and archaeologically. There are three main shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Veerabhadra.

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To the west of the main shrine a life size idol of "Naga Linga". This is a Seven-hooded Naga, carved out of a single rock that shelters a black-polished Shiva Linga placed on the grooved coil of the serpent.

Naga Lingeswara1

 

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According to the temple Legend it is believed to be First constructed by Saint Agastya.

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In Skanda Purana Lepakshi is mentioned one of the 108 important Shaiva Kshetras (places).

Shasanas

 

Old Wall painting

 

another old Wall painting

 

 

The architecture of the temple reflects the Vijayanagar style. It was  ruled by various dynasties and empires exhibiting the Rich and Diverse culture. The cultural heritage of Lepakshi lies in its Arts, Dance, Drama and Music.

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Kuchipudi, Bhamakalpam, Lambadi and Burrakatha are some of the popular dance forms of Lepakshi. The musical heritage of Lepakshi lies in Carnatic music, which is believed to have been inspired from the gods.

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A car festival is conducted every year in the month of Feb attracts thousands of Devotees from all over south India and other places.

Nandi - Basavanna

 

Nandi Basavanna

 

Information Name plate on Basavanna

 

 

A Granite Stone "Nandi" (the Bull) sculpture is 6 ft in height and 26 ft in Length. It is considered to be the biggest monolithic Nandi in India. The majestic artistry of Nandi sculpture is mesmerising for the tourists. To the right side on same the platform you can find a "Saptamatrika" (seven mothers) panel.

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The Lepakshi temple can be divided into three sections - the 'Mukha Mandapa', (or the 'Nitya Mandapa' or 'Ranga Mandapa'), the 'Artha Mandapa' and 'Garbha Griha', and the 'Kalyana Mandapa'.

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The Lepakshi temple has been built in honour of Lord Veerabhadra. According to the legend the Kalyana Mandapa of the temple had witnessed the marriage Lord Shiva and Parvati. The 'Natya' (Dancing) and 'Ardha' (worship) Mandapams are the best parts of the temple in terms of architecture. The 'Natya' Mandapa has been adorned with sculptured pillars depicting life-size musicians and dancers.

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The sculptures and the mural paintings seen in the Natya and Kalyana Mandapams are exceptional for their artistic beauty and skill. Most of these sculptures portray the mythological puranic episodes like 'Ananthasayana', 'Dattatreya', 'Chaturmukha Bramha', 'Tumburu', 'Narada' and 'Rambha'.

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A huge statue of Lord Ganesha captures the attention of everyone when you enter the second interior court. This idol is carved on one side of a big boulder and is enclosed in a separate mandapa with sculpted pillars.

Lord Ganesha

 

another view

 

Just next to this Ganesha, on another huge rock, you can find the carving depicting the legend of Srikalahasthi where Sri (spider), Kala (serpent) and Hasthi (elephant) are worshipping the Linga.

Rama performing pooja

 

another full view

Veerabhadresawara temple in Lepakshi is one of the largest murals ever painted in Asia. This painting of Veerabhadra measures about 23 feet by 13 feet. The ardhamandapam of the Lepakshi temple has the paintings of 14 forms or manifestations of Lord Shiva.

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There are also some of the paintings depicting the incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

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Sita paada (Foot)

Lord Anjaneya

 

 

another view of Anjaneya

 

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Worth of a Visit and unforgettable thrilling experience one Gets. It is One Day Trip from Bangalore and Carry Food and engage a Guide.

-------  Hari Om  -------