Veerabhadra temple (Lepakshi)

 

The temple, a wonderful example of the Vijayanagara Architectural style and art and a master piece of art work done by the Vishwakarma Brahmin Stapathis who sculpted this temple. This was built in the 16th century and sits on a mount. The presiding deity is Veerabhadra.

In the exquisite shrine is a wealth of magnificent sculpture in the intricate mandapams. One mandapam has pillars with life-sized images of dancers, musicians and other sculptures, created by the artisans of the Vijayanagar empire. The huge granite Nandi Bull is carved out of a single stone. The ceilings have breathtakingly beautiful mural paintings


Facts to File

How far : 480 km from Hyderabad.

How to go :
Air : Nearest airports are Bangalore (100 km)and Tirupati.
Rail : The nearest railhead is Hindupur (16 km) between Hyderabad - Bangalore railway line.
Bus : Regular buses and taxis from Hindupur and Ananthapur.

Where to stay : Hindupur Tourism Complex (8 cottages and restaurant) offers excellent accommodation, Abhya Griha rest house at Lepakshi, AP Tourism Motel Travellers' bungalow at Hindupur and PWD travellers' bungalow at Demakepalli. Budget Hotels at Ananthapur.

What to see: Veerabhadra Temple, the mural paintings in the temple and the monolithic Nandi. This shrine is one of the finest temples of AP in architecture and painting. Lepakshi is easily accessible from Tirupati. Known as the Ajanta of AP, Lepakshi excells in its myriad artistry. The presiding deity is Veerabhadra.Architecture 
The flat stuccoed granite ceilings of the Vijayanagar Empire provided a suitable background for frescoes as seen at Lepakshi. This temple is a notable example of the Vijayanagar style of architecture, and is built on a low rocky hill, which is called Kurmasaila so called because the bill is like a tortoise, in shape. An inscription on the exit of the outer wall of the temple records that one Virupanna constructed it in the 16th century.

The beautiful sculptures on the prakaram attract the pilgrims' attention. These include 14 forms of Siva, like Dakshinamurthi, Ardhanareeswara, Tripurantaka etc. The hall of creepers is another excellent work of art, which has provided perennial inspiration to textile designers over the years. About 500m, North-East of the temple stands India's largest monolithic Nandhi, measuring about 8.25m long and 4,60m high.
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