Lepakshi Temple Explore 7 fascinating facts about the Lepakshi Temple in Andhra Pradesh — famous for its hanging pillar, mural art, and mysterious legends. Discover its Vijayanagara brilliance and spiritual allure today!
The Lepakshi Temple, officially known as Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, stands as one of the most stunning testaments to South Indian architecture and devotion. Nestled in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, this 16th-century marvel showcases unparalleled craftsmanship from the Vijayanagara Empire. Famous for its hanging pillar, detailed mural art, and mythological legends, Lepakshi attracts travelers, historians, and devotees alike.
Here are 7 fascinating facts that make Lepakshi Temple an unforgettable destination.
Contents
- 1 Quick Facts
- 2 Fact 1 – The Mysterious Hanging Pillar
- 3 Fact 2 – A Giant Nandi Faces the Temple
- 4 Fact 3 – Built Under Royal Patronage
- 5 Fact 4 – A Ceiling Painted with Stories
- 6 Fact 5 – The Legend of Jatayu and Sita’s Footprint
- 7 Fact 6 – Unfinished Kalyana Mandapa
- 8 Fact 7 – The Spiritual Energy of Veerabhadra Swamy
- 9 Travel Guide
- 10 Visitor Tips
- 11 FAQs
- 12 Conclusion
- 13 Useful Links
- 14 Author Block
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Lepakshi village, Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh (Wikipedia) |
| Deity | Lord Veerabhadra (Shiva) |
| Architecture | Vijayanagara Style |
| Built By | Virupanna Nayaka & Viranna (Governors under King Achyuta Deva Raya) |
| Year of Construction | Circa 1530 CE |
| Unique Feature | “Hanging Pillar” that doesn’t touch the floor |
| Managed By | Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) |
Fact 1 – The Mysterious Hanging Pillar
The Lepakshi Temple is globally renowned for its gravity-defying hanging pillar. Among the 70 intricately carved stone pillars in the mandapam, one pillar remains slightly suspended above the floor — so much so that a thin cloth can pass beneath it.
This architectural enigma reflects the engineering mastery of the Vijayanagara artisans, baffling even modern engineers.
Fact 2 – A Giant Nandi Faces the Temple
About 200 meters before the temple stands a colossal monolithic Nandi (bull), considered one of the largest in India. Measuring 27 feet long and 15 feet high, it faces the main sanctum perfectly aligned — a testimony to ancient architectural precision.
Fact 3 – Built Under Royal Patronage
The temple was built during the reign of King Achyuta Deva Raya (younger brother of Krishnadevaraya). Local governors Virupanna and Viranna supervised construction, dedicating the temple to Lord Veerabhadra, an incarnation of Shiva.
Fact 4 – A Ceiling Painted with Stories
The ceilings of the Kalyana Mandapa feature India’s largest surviving frescoes from the Vijayanagara period. These vibrant paintings depict stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, still preserving their natural colors after centuries.
The artwork, made with organic dyes, shows the coronation of Rama and the dance of Shiva as Nataraja — both breathtaking in detail and scale.
Fact 5 – The Legend of Jatayu and Sita’s Footprint
According to local legend, Lepakshi is derived from “Le Pakshi,” meaning Rise, O Bird! — words Lord Rama spoke to Jatayu, the dying vulture, after his battle with Ravana.
Inside the temple complex, devotees can see a giant footprint believed to be that of Goddess Sita, adding mythical significance to the site.
Fact 6 – Unfinished Kalyana Mandapa
The temple’s marriage hall (Kalyana Mandapa) remains unfinished — legend says it was abruptly stopped when the royal treasurer, Virupanna, was accused of embezzlement. In grief, he allegedly blinded himself; two red stains on a nearby wall are said to symbolize his sacrifice.
Fact 7 – The Spiritual Energy of Veerabhadra Swamy
The presiding deity, Lord Veerabhadra, represents Shiva in a fierce form, created by his wrath during Daksha Yagna. Despite the intensity, devotees experience peace upon entering the sanctum, symbolizing transformation from chaos to serenity.
Travel Guide
How to Reach Lepakshi Temple
- By Road: 120 km from Bengaluru, 15 km from Hindupur.
- By Train: Hindupur Railway Station (nearest major stop).
- By Air: Bengaluru International Airport (125 km).
Timings:
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (open daily).
Best Time to Visit:
October to March for pleasant weather and photography-friendly light.
Visitor Tips
- Carry a pair of socks if you visit during summer; temple floors get hot.
- Early morning visits offer peaceful ambiance and golden sunlight for photography.
- Respect temple decorum; remove footwear before entering.
- Hire a local guide to learn stories behind murals and carvings.
FAQs
Q1. What makes Lepakshi Temple unique?
Its hanging pillar and giant fresco-covered ceilings make it an unparalleled heritage site in India.
Q2. Is there an entry fee?
No. Entry is free; a nominal camera fee may apply.
Q3. Which god is worshipped at Lepakshi Temple?
Lord Veerabhadra, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, is the main deity.
Q4. How old is Lepakshi Temple?
Built around 1530 CE, it stands over 490 years old.
Q5. Can I visit Lepakshi from Bengaluru in one day?
Yes, it’s perfect for a one-day trip — about a 2.5-hour drive each way.
Conclusion
The Lepakshi Temple is a timeless masterpiece that blends art, devotion, and mystery. From the hanging pillar that defies physics to its heavenly murals, every inch whispers stories of divine craftsmanship and legend.
If you’re passionate about architecture or spirituality, Lepakshi is not just a visit — it’s an experience of wonder and devotion that stays with you forever.
Useful Links
- Wikipedia – Lepakshi Temple
- Andhra Pradesh Tourism
- ASI Monument Info – Lepakshi
- Andhra Pradesh Temples Guide
- Vijayanagara Temples of South India
Author Block
Author: TempleMap Blog Writer
Bio: A heritage travel author dedicated to chronicling India’s ancient temples and spiritual destinations. Writes verified, SEO-optimized temple stories for Templesmap.com.
Last Updated: October 25, 2025