​The Veerabhadra Temple also known as the Lepakshi Temple is a rock temple dedicated to lord shiva located in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. It is a hidden gem with a rich history, intricate architecture, and spiritual significance. The temple is dedicated to the Virabhadra, a fierce incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple was built on the southern side of Lepakshi town, on a low-altitude hillock with a large exposure of granite rock in the shape of a tortoise, hence its name, Kurma Saila.

The Veerabhadra Temple is thought to have been built by two brothers, Virupanna Nayaka and Viranna, who were governors of the Vijayanagara Empire in the sixteenth century. It is a stone temple where intricate carvings on its walls depict historical scenes, as well as intricate designs and motifs that highlight the Vijayanagara Empire’s architectural brilliance. It is also believed that Pakshi Jatayu died here after fighting Ravana to save Mata Sita. Local legends claim that Lord Hanuman’s or Sita Mata’s footprints can be found at the temple, but this remains a mystery.

Significance of Veerabhadra Temple Lepakshi

Built-in the 16th century, the temple’s architectural features are in the Vijayanagara style, with carvings and paintings covering nearly every exposed surface. It is one of the most spectacular Vijayanagara temples and is a centrally protected national monument. The fresco paintings, which depict scenes of Rama and Krishna from the epic stories of the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas, are especially detailed and well-preserved.

There is a very large Nandi (bull), Shiva’s mount, about 200 metres (660 feet) away from the temple, carved from a single block of stone and said to be one of the largest of its kind in the world. Because of its proximity to the Karnataka border, the temple contains numerous Kannada inscriptions.

Story/Legend of Veerabhadra Temple Lepakshi

There are two stories related to the Lepakshi Temple. According to the first legend, Lepakshi originated in the legendary Ramayana, when Ravana kidnapped Sita. Jataya, the bird, attempted to free her from his grasp as he took her away. Ravana defeated him, and he fell to the floor. As he was counting his last breath, Lord Rama helped him achieve Moksha by saying ‘Le Pakshi,’ which means ‘Rise Bird’ in Telugu. Hence the name Lepakshi originated.

Another legend states that there were two brothers in the Vijayanagar Kingdom: Virupanna and Veerupanna. Virupanna’s son was blind, and it is said that he gained sight while playing near the Shivalinga in the temple. Veerupanna was one of Vijayanagar’s financiers. Others blamed the king for using the royal treasury; some say for temple completion, while others say for curing his son, and he gave orders to remove his eyes.

Disturbed by the false accusation, he avoided punishment by focusing his gaze on the temple’s walls. As a result, the village became known as Lape-Akshi, which means “the village of the blind.”The eerie part is that the temple wall still bears the blood marks from the eyes.

History of Veerabhadra Temple Lepakshi

The Veerabhadra Temple was built in 1530 AD (1540 AD is also mentioned) by Virupanna Nayaka and Viranna, both brothers who served as Governors of the Vijayanagar Empire during the reign of King Achyuta Deva Raya in Penukonda, Karnataka. They belonged to the warrior merchant class of Veerashaiva. The temple contains only Kannada inscriptions. The government financed the temple’s construction. According to the Skanda Purana, the temple is one of the divyakshetras or important pilgrimage sites for Lord Shiva.

During the reign of Vijayanagara King Harihara, Lepakshi became an important provincial centre for trade, commerce, and social gatherings. It gained widespread attention in later years, prompting the renovation of Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple in 1530 AD. It was completed during the reign of King Achyutaraya of the Vijayanagara Dynasty by Penukonda’s governors, two brothers named Viranna and Virupanna Nayaka. The inscriptions of King Achyutaraya provide detailed information about the temple’s construction, history, and significance.

The architecture of Veerabhadra Temple Lepakshi

The main temple consists of three sections: the assembly hall, antechamber, and sanctum sanctorum. The temple, as a structure, is surrounded by two enclosures. The outermost walled enclosure has three gates, the northern one being used frequently. The inner east gate provides access to the assembly hall, which is a large open hall with a large space in the centre.

The presiding deity in the sanctum sanctorum is a life-size image of Veerabhadra, fully armed and adorned with skulls. The sanctum contains a cave chamber where sage Agasthya is said to have lived when he installed the Linga image. The ceiling in the sanctum above the deity features paintings of the temple’s builders, Virupanna and Viranna, dressed regally and crowned with headgear similar to that found on Krishnadevaraya’s bronze statue in Tirupati.

Within the temple complex, on the eastern wing, there is a separate chamber with Shiva and his consort Parvathi carved into a boulder. Another shrine chamber contains an image of Lord Vishnu. Within the temple precincts, on the eastern side, there is a massive granite boulder with carvings of coiled multi-hooded serpents providing an umbrella over a Linga.

This hall’s exterior columns are built over a decorated plinth; the decorations take the form of blocks with carved images of horses and soldiers. The columns are slim and have the appearance of colonnettes carved with eaves that overhang in a curved shape. The open space in the centre of the hall is defined by large columns or piers with carvings of three figures.

The temple’s apparent “hanging pillar” is another attraction. The pillar’s base is slightly dislodged and only touches the ground on one side, leaving a gap through which cloth and paper can pass. The temple is approximately 200 meters away from a massive granite Nandi (bull), the mount of Lord Shiv, measuring 20 feet in height and 30 feet in length. It was carved from a single block of stone and is said to be one of the largest of its kind in the world. Because of its proximity to the Karnataka border, the temple contains numerous Kannada inscriptions.

Facts about Veerabhadra Temple Lepakshi

• Veerabhadra Temple, also known as Lepakshi Temple, is located in Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district.
• The rulers of Vijayanagara built the temple in 1533. It is famous for its architecture, which features hanging pillars and cave chambers.
• Veerabhadra Temple honours Virabhadra, a fierce incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple’s architecture is in the Vijayanagara style, with carvings and paintings covering nearly every exposed surface.
• Lepakshi is significant in the Ramayana, and its name, which means ‘Rise, oh bird’ in Telugu, honours Jatayu, the mythical bird who fought Ravan.
• According to the Ramayana, Jatayu was wounded in Lepakshi after battling Ravan, and it was there that he informed Lord Ram of Sita’s kidnapping.
• The Veerabhadra Temple is thought to have preserved Goddess Sita’s or Lord Hanuman’s footprints.
• Local legends suggest the temple may contain footprints of Lord Hanuman or Sita Mata, but this remains a mystery.
• Sage Agastya is thought to have lived in a cave chamber in the sanctum before installing the Linga image.
• The ceiling in the sanctum above the deity features paintings of the temple’s builders, Virupanna and Veeranna, who are regally dressed and crowned.
• The Veerabhadra Temple is approximately 200 meters away from a massive granite Nandi (bull), the mount of Lord Shiv, measuring 20 feet in height and 30 feet in length.
• The mandapa has approximately 38 pillars carved from granite stone with beautiful carvings of Shiva Parvathi, Panchamukha Brahma, Dathatreya, Gandharvas, a three-headed cow, Saptamaharshis, and several other gods, human and animal figures. This mandapa without a roof houses some of the temple’s finest sculptures.
• A large open area beyond the kalyana mandapa leads to the temple’s rare side, where a large corridor surrounds the rear wall.
• This area was used for cultural and recreational activities during Vijayanagar rule. The rocks of the hill provide a natural foundation for the temple grounds.

Festivals In Veerabhadra Temple Lepakshi

• Mahashivratri: Lord Shiva is the subject of this festival. Many devotees hold the belief that he is the Adi guru, the Yogi tradition’s founder. It is seen by recalling Shiva and reciting petitions, fasting, doing Yoga as well as thinking.
• Deepawali – This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness. Many visit this temple during this great festival.
• Navarathri – All ten days of Navarathri are celebrated with great reverence.
• Other important festivals include Hanuman Jayanthi, Sri Rama Navami, Ugadi, and Makar Sankranti.

Best Time to Visit Veerabhadra Temple Lepakshi

This place is heavenly and spiritual; you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

How To reach Veerabhadra Temple Lepakshi

The Veerabhadra Temple is located in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh’s.

By Air: The nearest Sri Sathya Sai Airport is located in Puttaparthi, which is about 80 km away from Anantapur.

By Rail: The Railway Station in Hindupur is about 12 km from the temple.

By Road: Lepakshi is reached by driving north from Bengaluru and turning west at the Kodikonda checkpoint on the Hyderabad highway NH 44. Lepakshi is 14 kilometres from Hindupur, where there are bus and train connections.

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