Lepakshi Temple, the Vijayanagara Legend 

Post Topic. Lepakshi Temple, the Vijayanagara Legend. It’s the start of winter; the afternoon sun is still bright enough, delaying the cold of winter, which gradually approaches across the land. My ride, ViKtor, speeds along the magnificent highway network towards the ancient town of Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh. 

What is Lepakshi Temple, the Vijayanagara Legend?

There is a burning desire in my heart to photograph the monuments of Lepakshi. I know that the Veerabhadra Swamy temple, built in the 16th century, stands at the centre of Lepakshi’s legends. However, my obsession is with the sculptures at Lepakshi, which I have been studying through digital media for years. Lepakshi visit was not even on my travel list for this year; yet, it again shows that sometimes the place calls to you, and fate paves the way.

Quickly, I booked my night’s stay, which is very important since there’s no significant accommodation in Lepakshi. Once done, I head out to immerse myself in the Vijayanagara Legend called Lepakshi.

So, this is what satiated my heart during my time in Lepakshi. The star attractions in Lepakshi are:-

• Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple 
• Natya Mandapa 
• Hanging Pillar of Lepakshi 
• Nagalinga 
• Kalyana Mandapam
• Ganesha 
• Basavanna Nandi 
• Durgapadam

History of Lepakshi Temple, the Vijayanagara Legend

According to legend, Lepakshi dates back to the Ramayana era, when Lord Rama, in his quest to rescue Sita, encountered the mythical bird Jatayu here. Jatayu had fought with the demon King Ravana, who was on his way to Lanka with Maa Sita after abducting her. Ravan injured Jatayu, who fell heavily injured from the sky. Lord Rama came upon the wounded Jatayu, who recounted his battle with Ravana and also guided Lord Rama towards Lanka. Lord Rama then blessed Jatayu and uttered the words “le Pakshi” (rise, bird). Blessed in this way by the Lord himself, the wounded Jatayu rose into the skies once more. Thus, this spiritual place becomes known as Lepakshi. This tale gets around as the meaning of Lepakshi.

Today, Lepakshi Temple stands as a living legacy. It’s a testament to devotion, craftsmanship, and India’s history. Having withstood centuries, this sacred site attracts numerous travellers, history enthusiasts, and art lovers from around the world. The architecture, intricate carvings, and awe-inspiring murals tell stories that span centuries. 

Lepakshi Temple Complex

With this background, I ventured towards the Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple. This temple intertwines with the Vijayanagara Legend and the Lepakshi Temple. I  was rightly unaware of the grandeur of the idol of Sri Veerabhadra Swamy that I  was about to see. Shiva is everywhere, and I believe I   am guided by him to reach Lepakshi. So that I   can gratify my soul with the divine vibe of Sri Veerabhadra Swamy. 

Ancient Indian mythology and teachings have been the bedrock of the culture that has been prevalent and flourished throughout the centuries in India. I am grateful that I have imbibed a leaning towards experiencing the culture through visits to monuments and institutions built centuries ago that still stand, having withstood the test of time.

Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple

The Veerabhadra Swamy temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. It remains a splendid example of Vijayanagara architecture, much like the ruins of Hampi. The history of the Lepakshi temple is as follows :

The Lepakshi Veerabhadra temple is dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra, a fierce form of Shiva. It was built by two brothers, Viranna and Virupanna, during the Vijayanagara period in the 16th century. The current temple is nearly 500 years old. The earlier temple, which predates the Vijayanagara era, was constructed during the time of Agastya Rishi and is listed among the 108 Shaivaite pilgrimage sites of ancient India. The temple is atop the Kurmasailam (tortoise-shaped) hill. 

As I walked towards the inner sanctum past the Natya Mandapa, I encountered a life-sized standing statue of Veerabhadra. Sri Veerabhadra Swamy is one of the most fierce forms of Shiva, a legendary great warrior and leader of Shiva’s Ganas. The statue stands upright, garlanded with numerous flowers and ornaments. His fierce eyes gaze into the distance. It is impossible to fully describe Lord Veerabhadra, as the mind cannot do justice to the beauty and the spiritual energy felt here. On my own, my lips started reciting the Shiva Panchakshara Mantra over and over again as I  gazed with folded hands, trying to memorise this divine form of Lord Shiva.

Also in the Natya Mandapam, to one side, there is a life-sized idol of Maa Durga in her fierce form. Very exquisitely carved, this divine form of the Goddess is not to be missed. 

There are some places that are all about the history that still exists. It exists not in ruins but in living form amongst the pillars, sculptures and murals. Lepakshi Temple, the Vijayanagara Legend, is one such place.

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Natya Mandapa. 

The Natya Mandapa is situated just outside the inner sanctum within the main temple. It is also known as Ranga Mandapa. This is a 70-pillared dance hall, with each pillar exquisitely carved and sculpted. There are life-sized carvings of diving beings, demigods, and goddesses. In addition to carvings of Shiva performing the Nataraja Tandava, I could recognise Narada and Brahma. 

As I looked up, I saw the ceiling adorned with murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. There are 14 frescos depicting various avatars of Shiva, truly magical to behold. 

While the years had taken their toll on the colours and intricacy, it was still magical to see the scale and depth of the carvings on the ceiling. The life-size sculptures are indeed a delight to see. It is said that there are 450 distinct mural designs on the ceiling. The colours used natural materials, like extracts of leaves and fruits, for the paints. Truly remarkable that they are still vibrant even after close to 500 years. The true star among all these pillars is the globally renowned “Akasha Stambha”, also known as the Hanging Pillar. 

As I walk through the hallowed and spiritual grounds of the Lepakshi Temple, I can feel a sense of fulfilment in having been able to reach Lepakshi and see with my own eyes its magnificent corridors, sculpted pillars, historic legacies and the divine Veerabhadraswamy

Hanging Pillar of Lepakshi.

The great Vijayanagara empire is the origin of the city of Hampi and supported other Indian arts. The Hanging Pillar at Lepakshi is a marvel in stone. This pillar is a deeply entrenched part of the Lepakshi Temple, the Vijayanagara legend. Many have tried to explore how a massive stone pillar can hang from one end, but have failed. 

While the sixty-nine other pillars support the ceiling, one corner pillar does not touch the temple floor at all. There is a small gap between the temple floor and the pillar base through which thin objects like cloth, paper, etc., can pass fully across. It is absolutely stunning to imagine the instruments that create this wafer-thin gap in stone. It is a tribute to the engineering genius of ancient and medieval India’s temple builders. 

Nagalinga 

The largest monolithic Nagalinga in India. I tell you, this has been on my wish list for years. I just wanted to take a photograph of it. This awe-inspiring monolithic Shivalingam stands roughly 20 feet tall. Covered by the protective hood of the majestic Naga, it is a must-visit in India. 

The legends say that the lingam was carved in just a few hours by sculptors while they waited for their lunch, which arrived late. No one expected their work to be so majestic. Truly, the hand of God is evident here. The Nagalingam remains one of the most picturesque and captivating spots within Lepakshi. 

Kalyana Mandapam

One of the most fascinating aspects about Lepakshi temple complex is the unfinished Kalyana Mandapam. This open-air structure, with 38 columns and detailed carvings, exemplifies the sculptors’ vision for the temple.

Beautiful carvings depicting Shiva and Parvati’s marriage adorn the pillars. The construction remains incomplete, with stories suggesting that one of the temple complex’s contributors, Virupanna, blinded himself after the king accused him of misusing royal funds to build the Lepakshi temple complex. Stories, myths, and legends echo from every wall in Lepakshi. 

Monolithic Ganesha

The Ganesha sculpture is a massive, monolithic granite carving inside the Lepakshi temple complex. It depicts Lord Ganesh seated. 

Basavanna Nandi 

Before visiting the main temple complex, visitors encounter the largest Nandi statue in India, right beside the main road. Standing at an impressive 27 feet long and 15 feet tall, this monolithic Lepakshi Nandi astounds onlookers. 

Its grand size and perfectly proportioned body leave visitors amazed. Carved from a single stone, it demonstrates the artistry and skill of the artisans of that era. Nandi is always sculpted facing Shiva; this has been the case for hundreds of years. Here, it is also true that Nandi, in a seated posture, faces the idol of Veerabhadra Swamy at the Lepakshi Temple, kilometres away within the main temple complex. 

Durgapadam 

Inside the main temple complex, one encounters a giant footprint reputed to be Maa Sita’s. The footprint stays moist even during the dry season, a sign deemed divine. There has been no clear explanation so far. 

My thoughts on Lepakshi Temple, the Vijayanagara Legend

Lepakshi is a long-cherished destination, and it pleases me that I can immerse myself in the experience. It surpassed my expectations. The best part was the very few travellers visible; this allowed me to absorb the atmosphere and essence of Lepakshi. Sitting on the long, pillar-lined verandah gave me an overwhelming sense of tranquillity. Walking barefoot through the entire Veerabhadra Swamy temple complex provides me with a calming sense of returning to my childhood, when life was simple and straightforward. 

What is my blog about?

My blog focuses on nature-based places and offbeat destinations. India has an abundance of such places. In addition to these, I am drawn to the history of our country. The art and culture always leave an impressive mark on my soul. Experiencing the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Kingdom at Hampi and the limestone cave carvings at Badami left me speechless. In fact, one must definitely visit Aihole, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and check out the skill and artistry on display here.

Tips for visiting Lepakshi Temple, the Vijayanagara Legend

Lepakshi is pretty offbeat even in 2025, especially when it comes to connectivity 

While visiting the town and its attractions, wear comfortable shoes and carry water and sun protection.

The timing of the Lepakshi Veerabhadra Temple is 0800 hrs to 1700 hrs in the evening.

Lepakshi handicrafts emporium is a treasure trove of regional handicrafts. Metal & wooden crafts, textile weaves, and some carvings are among the most sought-after items.

The best time to visit the Lepakshi temple complex is in the morning or late evening. 

Lepakshi can be considered a weekend getaway from Bangalore.

How to reach Lepakshi Vijayanagara

Bangalore is the nearest big city. Bangalore to Lepakshi is 120 km, with approximately 2 hrs of driving time. 

There are very limited buses which run to Lepakshi. Self-drive option is one of the best ways to explore Lepakshi, either from Bangalore or Hyderabad to Lepakshi.

Where to Stay In Lepakshi 

The best bet is the Haritha Resorts APTDC. This property is part of the APTDC tourist network and is one of the best places to stay in Lepakshi. Preferably book online.

Hotels in Lepakshi are really suboptimal, and I struggled to find a place to stay.