Lepakshi
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Lepakshi
లేపాక్షి | |
|---|---|
Village in Mandal | |
 Kalyan Mantapam in Lepakshi | |
| Country | India |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| District | Ananthapur |
| Population (2011)[1] | |
• Total | 10,042 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Telugu |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 515331 |
| Vehicle registration | AP 02 |
Lepakshi (Template:Lang-te)(Template:Lang-kn) is a small village and Mandal with its headquarters located in the Anantapur District, in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is 15 km (9.3 mi) east of Hindupur and about 120 km (75 mi) north of Bangalore. Lepakshi is historically and archaeologically significant, with three shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Veerabhadra. These shrines were built during the Vijayanagara Kings' period (1336–1646). One of the attractions in Lepakshi is a huge Nandi bull made of a single granite stone. The place is also known for mural paintings of the Vijayanagar Kings. Many old Kannada inscriptions dating back centuries can also be seen on its walls. 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.
Stone Carved Pillars of the Main Temple
The famous Veerabhadra temple dedicated to Veerabhadra is located here. Built by the brothers Viranna and Virupanna, the temple is a notable example of the Vijayanagar architectural style.[2] It is renowned for its sculptures, which were created by the artisans of the Vijayanagara empire. A huge Nandi bull made out of a single granite stone is one of the attractions in Lepakshi. This village is renowned for having one of the best collections of mural paintings (see below) from the Vijayanagar Kings period. Many old Kannada inscriptions dating back centuries can be seen on its walls. On a hillock known as Kurma Saila (tortoise shaped hill), temples of 'Papanatheswara', 'Raghunatha', 'Shrirama', 'Veerabhadra' and 'Durga' are located. The Veerabhadra temple is the most important temple.[citation needed]
Points of interest in the Temple
There are many peculiarities in this temple such as a rock chain, Vastu Purush, the Padmini Race Lady, the Hanging Pillar, Durga Paadam, Lepakshi saree designs, and others. On the walls of this temple, several stories like the Mahabharatha and the Ramayana are sculpted. The paintings on the roof are done in natural pigments. One noted spot in the temple is the "Eyes of Viroopaakshanna". According to history, due to a misunderstanding with the temple's builder, the king ordered him to be blinded. Hearing this, the builder plucked out his own eyes and threw them at the wall. Even today those blood marks are evident on that particular wall.
Lepakshi Nandi
The monolithic "Nandi" sculpture which is said to be the biggest monolithic Nandi in India, is synonymous to Lepakshi. It is 4.5m high and 8.23m long. The big granite bull is on the main road, about 200 metres from the temple. It has been positioned such that it faces the shivalinga shielded by a huge serpent inside the temple. It is also the second largest monolith in India, after Gomateshwara;[citation needed] the Nandi sports a huge kaasu malai, a bell chain, earrings and other jewelry.
Lepakshi and The Ramayana
The historic town of Lepakshi has been connected with an occurring of the Indian epic of Ramayana. According to the Valmiki's Ramayana, when Ram accompanied by Hanuman, met the dying Jatayu, they helped him attain moksha by uttering the words "Le Pakshi," which is Telugu for "Rise, bird". Hence the name, Lepakshi.
Transportation
From Bangalore, Lepakshi can be reached by going west at Kodikonda checkpost on Hyderabad highway NH 7. Alternatively, one could take a bus or a train to Hindupur and then travel to Lepakshi.
References
- ^ "Census 2011". The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 26 July 2014.
{{cite web}}: line feed character in|title=at position 8 (help) - ^ "Lepakshi". Retrieved 18 August 2006.
External links
