Lepakshi

Lep ಲೇಪಾಕ್ಷಿ లేపాక్షి
Village
Nandi at Lepakshi
Lep
Coordinates:
Country	India
State	Andhra Pradesh
District	Ananthapur
Population (2011)
• Total	10,042
Languages
• Official	Telugu,Kannada
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN	515331
Vehicle registration	AP 02

Lepakshi is a small village in Mandal in the Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located 15 km (9.3 mi) east of Hindupur and approximately 120 km (75 mi) north of Bangalore. Lepakshi is culturally and archaeologically significant as it is the location of shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Veerabhadra which were built during the Vijayanagara Kings' period (1336–1646). The temples are the location of mural paintings of the Vijayanagar kings and Kannada inscriptions. Near the temple complex is a large granite Nandi bull. On a hillock known as Kurma Saila, "tortoise shaped hill", are other temples to Papanatheswara, Raghunatha, Srirama, and Durga.

Archaeological sites

Veerabhadra Temple

The Veerabhadra temple of Lepakshi, which was built by the brothers Viranna and Virupanna, is dedicated to Veerabhadra. It is an example of the Vijayanagar architectural style. Points of interest in the temple include a rock chain, Vastu Purush, the Padmini race lady, the hanging pillar, Durga Paadam, the eyes of Viroopaakshanna and Lepakshi saree designs. The paintings on the roof are made with natural pigments. Several stories like the Mahabharatha and the Ramayana; Vijayanagara murals and Kannada inscriptions on the walls.

Lepakshi Nandi

The Shiva's bull Nandi is a granite monolithic sculpture on the main road of Lepashki approximately 200m from the temple. It is 4.5m high and 8.23m long making one of the largest nandi in India. The sculpture has been positioned so that it faces the shivalinga which is shielded by a large serpent inside the temple. The nandi wears a kaasu malai, a bell chain, earrings and other jewellery. Legend has it that the Naga of the Nagalinga was carved out of a single stone by sculptors while they waited for their mothers to prepare lunch.

Temple Photos

• Lepakshi Temple - 7 Headed Snake Statue.jpg

  This structure was created by the temple architects - Virupanna and Viranna, while the lunch is prepared.

• Lepakshi Temple - 3D Image in a pillar.jpg

  3D Image of a Cow in one of the temple pillars.

• Lepakshi Temple - Sita Devi's Foot Imprint.jpg

  Sita Devi's Foot Imprint

• Lepakshi Temple - 3D Image in a pillar with Dance Performance.jpg

  3D Image in a pillar with Dance Performance.

• Lepakshi Temple - Plate on a mountain.jpg

  Plate on a mountain which is used for having meals in those days.

• Lepakshi Temple - Dance Performance Pillar.jpg

  A pillar with a dance performance of a woman.

Transport

Road

Lepakshi Archaeological Notice

Hindupur is a major town nearby and 14 km away from Lepakshi. One can reach Lepakshi through Hindupur which is well connected to Bengaluru and Anantapur - district headquarters.

There are lots of private bus services and APSRTC buses connecting Hindupur and Lepakshi for every 10 minutes.

One who is travelling in a car from Bengaluru, can also reach Lepakshi without touching Hindupur and through NH 44. Visit Route Map - Bengaluru to Lepakshi for Google route map.

Rail

Hindupur railway station is a major railway station nearby and it is well connected to Bengaluru and Anantapur - couple of passenger and express trains run daily to and fro.

Air

Kempegowda International Airport is the nearest one and 101 km away from Lepakshi via NH 44.

External links

• The hanging pillar and other wonders of Lepakshi
• Car Hire Services to Lepakshi