Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi

We have heard a lot about Lepakshi from many people. Just at a distance of 150 KM from Bangalore it was an ideal place for a weekend getaway. On one fine Saturday a friend tagged along us. Climate was just right. As a norm we had our breakfast on the roadside hotel, which was decent. Whizzed through NH 7 take a left at sign board showing Lepakshi-16 KM after crossing Kodikonda. It took almost 2 hours to reach Lepakshi. A quaint village in Ananthpur District of Andhra Pradesh, Lepakshi is a blend between archaeology, history, and religion; known for Shiva, Vishnu, and Veerabhadra shrines of Vijayanagara period.

A faint bull in couchant position welcomed us. It faces west in the direction of Nagalinga situated behind the Veerabhadra Temple, which we could only decipher once seeing it for ourselves. Built in Vijayanagara period this monolithic Nandi is one of its kind. It measures 10 meter in length and 6 meter in height.  Adorned with coin necklace, neck piece made up of bells, earrings, and other jewelry, this Nandi' head is held at a higher angle than normal. Absence of submissive expression is the focal point. This is believed to be the second largest monolithic in India. A lotus pond is present adjacent to the statue. We wandered around there for a bit.

A merely 200 meters away lies the Veerabhadra Temple. Finding a parking space was quite difficult task as it was Saturday and decent number of crowd gathered around already. 

Legend-Seetha was crying out for help when being kidnapped by Ravana in Pushpaka Vimana (helicopter). Old and frail Jatayu flies off to fight, but was greaviously injured in the process. He is holding his breath just to pass on information to Lord Rama. When Rama and Lakshmana comes in search of Seetha found Jatayu in dying state and Rama tells Rise Bird or 'Le Pakshi'.

We remember discussing Ravana's Pushpaka Vimana passing through here on the way the Lanka. Oh! How much we love legends and myths.

The temple was built by Virupanna, a subordinate of King Achyutaraya in 1544 AD. Hence the architecture is of Vijayanagara style. A pillar is attached to the roof, but it's base isn't touching the ground entirely. Several people were testing it with a hand kerchief, but couldn't do it. Sadly there were no paper around. Definitely there is a gap. It is said a British engineer tried to dislodge the pillar to know the secret behind this, thus causing imbalance among the rest of the pillars.

Don't forget to look up while meandering here. Mural paintings on the ceilings are worn down a lot, beautiful nonetheless. They depict stories of Ramayana, Mahabharatha, Shiva Purana. However we couldn't figure out much because of its condition as well as the position. We had to crane our neck backward to see this.

There is an unfinished marriage hall (Kalyana Mantapa). The architect of the temple was alleged of misusing granted fund to build the hall. Hurt and distressed he scooped his eyeball and threw on the wall to show his loyalty to the king. The village is called Lepa-Akshi, blinded eye village is another legend. This is were it is believed Shiva and Parvathi got married. Carvings on the pillars are just beautiful.

A large footprint said to be of Seetha's is always immersed in little water. Let's not be sarcastic in saying Seetha must be giant because the footprint is minimum 3 feet long.

It is said the entire Nagalinga was carved out of single rock. On a rock besides the Nagalinga there are three chiseled out devotees of Shiva offering prayers namely Shree (Spider), Kala(Snake), and Hasti (Elephant). Legend has it that this whole Nagalinga was created in one afternoon by workers while waiting for their food to get prepared. 

A kid, maybe of 10 or 11-year-old was climbing on top of the Ganesha statue giving various poses. And proud mother happily clicking away photos without a care in the world. Now we don't want to be judgmental and preachers here. Wasn't it a mother's or parents' responsibility to teach the kid about respecting monuments? Instead mother was encouraging to behave in an unruly manner. 

We are mesmerized by the legends, myths, and folklore of this beautiful temple. Nothing short of 4 hours to truly appreciate the architecture and we did the same.

Route: Bangalore-Devenahalli-Kodikonda-Lepakshi

Travel Tips:
Parking Fee: 20