Lepakshi Temple
In the heart of Andhra Pradesh, India, lies a hidden gem – the Shri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple Lepakshi Andhra Pradesh. This 16th-century wonder, the Veerabhadra Temple, is a dazzling example of Indian history, art, and mythology coming together.
Lepakshi temple history
The Lepakshi Temple, also known as the Veerabhadra Temple, boasts a rich history dating back to the 1500s. Here’s a glimpse into its past:
· Built by Brothers: The temple was constructed around 1530 AD by Virupanna Nayaka and Viranna brothers. They were governors under the mighty Vijayanagara Empire that ruled parts of South India.
· Vijayanagara Legacy: The temple reflects the glorious Vijayanagara style of architecture. This means you’ll find beautiful carvings and vibrant paintings adorning almost every surface.
· A Gift to the Gods: Inscriptions found at the temple suggest it was funded by the Vijayanagara government itself, making it a grand offering to the deities.
· Mythological Connection: Legend states that the name Lepakshi comes from the Telugu words “Le Pakshi,” meaning “Rise, bird”. This is linked to the story of Jatayu, the giant bird who tried to save Sita from Ravana in the Ramayana. Lord Rama is said to have uttered these words to Jatayu as he died.
Lepakshi Temple is a testament to the artistic brilliance and devotion of the Vijayanagara era. Its history adds depth and meaning to the stunning architecture and sculptures you’ll find there.
Lepakshi temple Architecture
The Lepakshi Temple boasts a stunning architectural style called Vijayanagara. Here’s what makes it unique:
· Grand Design: The temple is laid out in sections with a logical flow for worshippers. Imagine a large open hall (Mukha Mantapa) for gatherings, followed by a smaller antechamber (Ardha Mantapa) leading to the most sacred inner sanctum (Garbhagriha).
· Carvings Galore: Everywhere you look, there are intricate carvings on the walls and pillars. These depict gods, goddesses, dancers, musicians, and even scenes from epic stories.
· Painted Paradise: The ceilings are adorned with vibrant paintings. One particularly famous one showcases 14 different forms of Lord Shiva!
· Stone Marvels: The temple complex is built with granite, a solid and beautiful grey stone. Look out for the massive Nandi bull statue, carved from a single block, which is one of the largest in the world!
· The “Hanging Pillar” Mystery: This is the star attraction! One small side of a pillar seems to defy gravity by not touching the ground. There’s a legend that a British engineer tampered with it, but the truth behind this architectural wonder remains a fascinating mystery.
Lepakshi temple timings
The Lepakshi Temple is open year-round for visitors. Here are the times to keep in mind:
- General Timings: The temple is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
- Specific Shrines: While the main temple complex follows the 6 am to 6 pm timings, there might be slight variations to particular shrines within the complex. It’s always best to check locally if you plan your visit around a specific puja or ceremony. Shri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple Lepakshi Andhra Pradesh
Lepakshi temple in which district
The Lepakshi temple is located in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It’s a small village about 140 kilometres away from the bustling city of Bangalore.
Lepakshi temple Sunday closing time
The good news is the Lepakshi Temple doesn’t have regular Sunday closings! It’s open every day of the week.
Their general hours are from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, so that you can plan your visit anytime on a Sunday. However, double-checking during significant festivals or special occasions is always a good idea, as timings might change slightly.
Lepakshi Temple Entry Fee
The good news is that there’s no entry fee to visit the Lepakshi Temple! You can explore the temple complex and its architectural wonders utterly free of charge.
Entry Fee: ₹30 for adults, ₹15 for children
Lepakshi temple secrets
The Lepakshi temple holds some intriguing mysteries that have captured people’s imaginations for centuries. Here are two of the most famous:
The Hanging Pillar: This pillar is the star of the show. It defies gravity by having a small side that doesn’t touch the ground. There are two main theories:
Lost Technique: Others think it might be due to an unknown ancient technique.
The Shifting Touch: Legends say the pillar used to hang in the past. However, a curious British engineer in the 1900s tried to nudge it to reveal the secret. Ironically, this attempt caused a tiny part of the pillar to touch the ground now!
These are just a couple of the mysteries surrounding the Lepakshi temple. The truth behind them remains a source of fascination and debate, adding to the temple’s unique charm.
Lepakshi temple god’s name
The main god worshipped at the Lepakshi Temple is Veerabhadra. He is a fierce and powerful form of the Hindu god Shiva. While there are shrines to other deities like Vishnu and Rama within the temple complex, Veerabhadra takes center stage.
FAQS
1) What is unique about Lepakshi Temple?
The Lepakshi Temple stuns visitors with its intricate carvings and vibrant paintings. But what truly sets it apart is the “hanging pillar” that defies gravity by barely touching the ground.
2) Is Lepakshi in Karnataka or Andhra?
Lepakshi is actually in Andhra Pradesh, not Karnataka! Even though it’s close to the border, the village and its famous temple reside within Andhra Pradesh.
3) What is mysterious about Lepakshi?
The biggest mystery of Lepakshi Temple is the “Hanging Pillar.” This massive pillar defies gravity by touching the ceiling but not quite reaching the floor! Experts can only explain how it stays up with visible support.
4) Whose leg is in Lepakshi?
The Lepakshi Temple has a large footprint, but it’s not from a natural person! Legend says it belongs to Sita, wife of Lord Rama, from the Hindu epic Ramayana. There’s no scientific explanation for the water that keeps it wet, adding to the mystery.
5) Is Lepakshi worth visiting?
Yes, Lepakshi Temple is worth visiting if you’re interested in history, temples, or unique sights. It has stunning carvings, a giant Nandi bull, and a famous “hanging pillar.” It’s an excellent choice for a day trip because of its beautiful architecture and interesting mythology.
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