Lepakshi - Astonishing Architecture

Tripoto
24th Feb 2019
Photo of Lepakshi - Astonishing Architecture by Archun Samy

Lepakshi is a small village located in the Anantapur District, in Andhra Pradesh, India. The famous Veerabhadra temple that dates back to 1583, and is dedicated to Veerabhadra, is located here. And, this temple is one of the most notable examples of the Vijayanagar architectural style. Also, it is famous for its sculptures.

Photo of Lepakshi - Astonishing Architecture by Archun Samy

Lepakshi is around 135 KM from Bangalore. In fact, it is very near to Karnataka and Andhra boarder. The most preferred and also the best route to take is NH7, Bangalore-Hyderabad highway. This is the same road which connects the Bangalore International Airport to Hebbal Flyover. The road leading to Lepakshi temple is also in good condition. It is a narrow road but compensated by very less amount of traffic.

Photo of Lepakshi - Astonishing Architecture by Archun Samy

At the entrance to the Lepakshi village is a huge monolithic Nandi where you can spend a little time photographing it. There is a nice garden maintained there. Lepakshi temple is 400 meters from here. Near the temple there is ample car parking space. A nice garden is maintained in front of the temple where you can sit on the lawn and relax and have your breakfast/lunch.

Photo of Lepakshi - Astonishing Architecture by Archun Samy
Photo of Lepakshi - Astonishing Architecture by Archun Samy

The main deity in the temple is Lord Virupaksha. Photography inside the temple is restricted. However photography outside the temple where there is a huge hall and around the temple where there are lots of courtyard is permitted. You will find pillars in the hall outside the temple beautifully carved. One of the pillar here is airborne with a gap at the bottom and holding on at the ceiling end. You will also find carvings of lots of dolls in dancing postures, playing instruments etc here.

Photo of Lepakshi - Astonishing Architecture by Archun Samy

As you come out of the hall and the temple and go around the temple you will find courtyards bordering the temple walls. You can relax in the courtyard. These courtyards have pillars with beautiful carvings on it. Some of the patterns on these pillars are found in Andhra saree border designs.

Photo of Lepakshi - Astonishing Architecture by Archun Samy

At the rear side of the temple is a huge Ganesha idol, a Shiva Linga with a huge serpantine sheltering the same, and a Kalyana mantapa - which is half done with only the pillars installed and no roofing provided. The carvings and the patters on the pillars of the kalyana mantapa are beautiful.

Photo of Lepakshi - Astonishing Architecture by Archun Samy

You will find lots of visitors coming and doing photographing here. It would be worth hiring a guide to know more details about the temple, its architecture and detailed explanation of the carvings on it.

Photo of Lepakshi - Astonishing Architecture by Archun Samy

In this temple, you can see many people doing the same thing as in above picture. Put a piece of cloth underneath and slide it around the other side, proving that the pillar is disconnected from the floor. This is considered one of the wonders of India, how did ancient people construct a huge pillar that defies gravity and is hanging in mid air?

In the end i would like to say take your time in exploring the place, relax, meditate, go as couple or a family or friends it works all ways.