Lepakshi is a small town located in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The town is famous for its rich cultural heritage, exquisite architecture, and ancient temples. Here's a guide to the top sites you can't miss when visiting Lepakshi:
Veerabhadra Temple - This 16th-century temple is one of the most iconic and popular sites in Lepakshi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. The temple's architecture is a blend of Hoysala and Vijayanagara styles, featuring stunning carvings, murals, and sculptures.
Hanging Pillar - Located inside the Veerabhadra Temple, the Hanging Pillar is an architectural marvel that defies gravity. The pillar hangs from the ceiling and is not connected to the ground. Visitors can pass a piece of cloth or paper under the pillar to prove that it's not touching the ground.
Nandi Bull - The Nandi Bull is a massive monolithic statue of Nandi, Lord Shiva's mount. The statue is carved out of a single granite stone and is 27 feet long and 15 feet high. The statue is located outside the Veerabhadra Temple and is one of the largest Nandi statues in India.
Lepakshi Temple Complex - The Lepakshi Temple Complex is a group of smaller temples and shrines located around the Veerabhadra Temple. The temples feature intricate carvings, murals, and sculptures depicting various mythological stories.
Jatayu Sculpture - The Jatayu Sculpture is a massive stone sculpture of Jatayu, a mythological bird from the Ramayana. The sculpture is located on a hilltop overlooking the town and is believed to be one of the largest monolithic sculptures in the world.
Papanaseswara Temple - The Papanaseswara Temple is a small temple located near the Veerabhadra Temple. The temple features a natural spring that is believed to have healing properties.
Kurma Saila - Kurma Saila is a hill located near Lepakshi, and the hill is believed to resemble a tortoise (kurma in Sanskrit). The hill features several temples and shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and other deities.
Lepakshi is a fascinating town with a rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. These are just a few of the top sites you can visit when exploring the town.