Lepakshi Temple: An Architectural Wonder

Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi is located in the Anantpur district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. This is the place where the bird Jatayu fell, wounded after a battle against Ravana who had abducted Sita and going to Sri Lanka with her. When Sri Rama reached the spot while looking for Mata Sita, he saw the Jatayu who told him about Mata Sita and his battle with Ravana. Rama got overwhelmed by grief as by a surging sense of affection and gratitude and embraces Jatayu, gave him moksha and said compassionately, “Le Pakshi” (rise bird) in Telugu. And hence the place got its name.

The distance of the temple is around 130 km from Bangalore through the NH7 (Bangalore-Hyderabad highway) and great for a day trip. After crossing the Karnataka-Andhra boarder keep looking for signboard directing towards Lepakshi. You can find it around at a distance of 3-4 Km from the border. Here you need to take a left turn on a road that goes to Lepakshi. From here the temple is around 18 KM.

Built-in the 16th-century architectural features of the temple are in the Vijayanagara style. It has idols of Ganesha, Nandi, Veerabhadra, Shiva, Bhadrakali, Vishnu and Lakshmi. An Architectural Wonder of Lepakshi Temple are:

1. The Hanging pillar
2. The Nagalinga (Shivling)
3. The Incomplete Kalyan Mandapa
3. The Eye on the Wall
4. Mata Sita Footprint
5. Ages old Leafless Tree
6. Second largest monolithic Nandi in India

Lepakshi Temple View from Outside

Watch Video: Walkaround the Lepakshi Temple

Beautiful Architecture towards the Main Shrine of the Temple

Beautiful Carvings on the Pillar of the Temple

Watch Video: The Hanging Pillar of Lepakshi Temple

Beautiful Carvings on the Pillars outside the Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi

Halls for the Pilgrims Coming from Distant Places

Sita Mata Footprint Near the Hanuman Statue

Hanuman Status and Halls for the Pilgrims

Jatayu Giant Status on the Rock Near Lepakshi Temple

How to Reach Lepakshi Temple

♦ Lepakshi Temple is located in the Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India
♦ The best way to reach Hogenakkal Falls is either by your own vehicle or hire a car/taxi. However private and government Buses are also available.
♦ Nearest Airport is Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (100 KM). Taxis are easily available outside the airport till the required destination
♦ Nearest Railway Station is Hindupur Railway Station (12 KM) and destination can be easily covered by taxi available outside the station.

Location on Google Map for Lepakshi Temple 

Traveling Tips

♦ Best time to visit Lepakshi temple is the winter season (October to February)
♦ Be careful from monkeys if you are carrying any eatables or prasad for puja
♦ Don't forget to visit idol of Nandi (second largest monolithic sculpture in India) and Jatayu park within the proximity to Veerbhadra Temple