Lepakshi Temple situated in Andhra Pradesh has many stories to speak. It has a hanging pillar and a giant footprint which many people believe to be of Hanuman, while others say it is Sita’s footprint. Akanksha writes about this temple to bring forth stories which come from Mahabharata, Ramayana and Puranas…
Located in the southeastern part of India, Lepakshi temple is as a prime location to worship Veerabhadra. This temple is also known as Veerabhadra Temple and is situated in the tiny hamlet of Anantpur District of Andhra Pradesh.
The intricate carvings and massive structure of this temple leave everyone spellbound. Rich in architecture and art, this temple is famous for its hanging pillars and cave chambers. It is designed in typical Vijayanagra architecture.
The temple depicts epic of Mahabharta, Ramayana and Purans by its columns and ceiling. There are around 100s of paintings on the wall of this temples and executive sculptures of God and goddesses. This temple have mural of God Veerabhadra which is counted as India’s largest Mural of any single figure.
At the front of Temple, there is a deity of A Nandi (cow) which is created from a single piece of stone. From the figures of Saint to musicians, this temple is gloriously designed. The temple, according to Skanda Purana, is a divyakshetra which means an important crusade destination of Lord Shiva.
Thing that makes the temple unique is footprint which are believed to be of Maa Sita. As you step inside the temple, you get the glimpses of the history of Vijayanagara kingdom by way of pictorial representations.
Other than the footprints of Maa Sita, this temple is well known for its hanging pillar, you must have heard about. The temple has almost 70 well architected pillars. These pillars have the finest elegance.
Out of these 70 pillars, there is one pillar which hangs from the ceiling. The base of pillar doesn’t touch the ground and this pillar is bit dislocated from its original position. One can easily pass the paper and a thin cloth from one side to another which makes us wonder.
Lepakshi is village which is known because of Ramyana. Villagers say that the bird Jatayu (the son of Aruna and a nephew of Garuda) had fallen here after the battle against the Ravana. When Rama reached the spot, he saw the bird and humanly said to him, “Le Pakshi” which means “Arise, bird”.
People from all over India and world visit this temple to find faith and attain spiritual enlightenment. This temple is must visit place in Andhra Pradesh.