The Magical Stories & Facts Behind Lepakshi Temple
Out of the several temples located in South India, Lepakshi is known for the untold mysteries and tales associated with its adjoining temple. Lepakshi is an ancient and finely built temple from 1583. The temple was created by Sage Agastya and later re-constructed during the rule of king Achutya Devaraya. Virupnna and Veeranna constructed the rebuilding of this temple.
The temple is also known as Veerbhadra Temple. The temple is famous because of its magnificent architecture and design. This popular place has some close relatedness with Ramanyana. However, other Hindu idols are present here, like Shiva, Nandi, Ganesh, Veerbhadra, Laxmi, Bhadrakali, and Vishnu.
Background
The aesthetically pleasing designs throughout the temple are remarkable examples of sheer beauty. The cave-like chambers and hanging pillars are the main attraction of this place. According to Hindu mythology, the name Lepakshi known as Jatayu (the Hindu epic’s deity), has fallen in the exact location.
When Shree Ram and Laxman visited the location, they found an injured jayatu suffering from pain. They asserted” Le Pakshi,” which in the Telugu language denotes “Rise Bird.” Therefore, came the name of the temple Lepakshi.
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The legendary spot is also remarkable because of the presence of a significant footprint on the temple, which is believed by Hindus as Sita’s footmark over here.
Things To See In Lepakshi
1. Nandi Statue
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While entering the temple premises, the first thing that you will notice is the vast carved Nandi statue. Nandi was a close friend and worshipper of Lord Shiva. The structure of this statue is 15 feet tall, and in length, it is around 27 feet. The art of this statue is genuinely remarkable. This fossilized structure is considered a giant monolithic statue of Nandi in India.
2. Main Lepakshi Temple
After entering, you will find two massive walls welcoming you to join Lepakshi Temple further. There are three gates at the entrance. The northern gate is known as Gopura and is the main entrance to this temple. On both sides of the passage, there is a well-structured mandapa. The direct access to the circular boundary is near the north. Furthermore, this northern entrance has two parts. You can see the Dwajasthamba and Balipitha from this spot.
(Image Credit: Pixabay)
Lepakshi Temple classifies into three interior sections-
- Natya Mandap– It is one of the significant spots of the Lepakshi temple. The massive 100-pillared structure of Natya mandap is genuinely a pleasant sight. It is also known as Ranga Mandapa or dance hall. The art and design craved in Natya Mandap represent the exceptional expertise of the artisans during the Vijaynagar dynasty.
(Image Credit: Pixabay)
You will be captivated by the lifelike statues of deities playing stringed instruments that decorate the core pillars of the mandapa. Shiva’s dancing postures, Brahma beating the drum, and Narada playing his favorite Tambaru create a magical scene of divine theme in the walls of this Natya Mandap.
(Image Credit: Pixabay)
- Ardha Mandap– The beautiful sculptures of DWarkapalaka is on the entrance pillars of Ardha Mandap. The magnificent artwork on the ceiling depicts Lord Shiva in his 14 avatars. The Veerbhadra painting on this wall is around 24 feet tall. It is considered a giant mural in India. The core interior portion of this temple is the Garba Griha. This area is the connection to the Ardha Mandap.
- Kalyan Mandap (Unfinished) – With 38 strong pillars, the open area marriage hall, also known as Kalyan Mandap, is created. The mandap is famous for believing that Shiv and Parvati got married here. Hence, you can watch unique sculptures of the wedding on these pillars.
(Image Credit: Pixabay)
3. Hanging pillar
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The miraculous hanging pillar of Leepakshi is another interesting fact. The huge pillar is hanging and never touches the ground. Many experts still need clarification regarding this alignment of the pillar structure. It forms an example of brilliant architecture—the creation of the hanging pillar in a hanging position from the roof without touching the basement.
4. Shivalinga
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Towards the southeast area from the main temple of Lepakshi, there is a solid granite-based sculpture known as the famous Shivalinga. The hood shape forms an umbrella along with seven coils and a hood shape forming an umbrella on the Shivalinga. This structure was carved out by talented artisans quickly during their meal breaks. A huge lord Ganesha structure is present beside this Nagalinga.
Location Of Lepakshi Temple
By now, you must be curious about the location of this mysterious temple. The village was named Lepakshi after the temple in Anantapur, Andra Pradesh. From Hyderabad, the distance is around 450-480km, and the same from Bangalore is about 118-120km. It can be the perfect weekend gateway option for many tourists. If you want to travel via train, the nearby railway station is Hindupur.
Starting from the footprint of Ma Sita, the giant Nandi murti, cave-like chambers, and hanging pillars – the Lepakshi premises is full of mythological facts and wonders. The best time to visit this religious place is from October to February.
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