Veerabhadra Temple , Lepakshi, Anantpur

The Veerabhadra Temple , Lepakshi is an example of Vijayanagar architecture and was built in the 16th century and is situated on a mound. There is a wealth of sculptures in the mantapas and pillars with life-sized images of dancers, musicians, etc. A huge granite nandi bull stands outside and is carved out of single rock. The ceilings are covered in mural paintings. It is constructed on low rocky hill, which the locals call as Kurmasaila, because it resembles a tortoise.

History states two brothers Viranna and Virupanna, the governors of Penukonda, constructed the temple.The temple sanctum stands in the middle of two irregular enclosures and the entrance is through a huge hall. Every vacant spot on the walls, pillars, is filled with sculptures. The north-east columns in the centre of the hall has the figure of Natesha between Brahma and a drummer, while in the adjacent corner a maiden cavorts between another drummer and cymbalist. On the southwest, there is Parvati, while a three-legged divinity dances all by himself in the northwest corner.

Veerabhadra Temple , Lepakshi, Anantpur, BangaloreClose to the main hall is a pillar, where locals kneel on all fours. This is the `suspended pillar` of the olden days. This pillar did not touch the floor and it was possible to pass a piece of cloth through the gap. Today it touches the ground, but only just in one corner, this happened when a British Engineer disturbed the balance while examining it.

The ceiling has frescos and these narrate the life of the patrons as well as episodes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. The sculptures and painting continue right into the temple sanctum. The main deity is a life-size image of Veerabhadra carrying weapons. In the compound is a multi-hooded Naga shielding a granite linga shaped from a natural boulder. A little ahead is a large unfinished hall with intricate carvings of sages and holy men on the columns. The big granite bull is on the main road, 200 metres from the temple. It is positioned such that it faces the huge serpent inside the temple.

Getting at Veerabhadra Temple , Lepakshi
Air: The nearest airport is at Bangalore, 152 km away.
Rail: The nearest railhead is Anantapur. Nandyal and Kurnool, are also convenient railheads.
Road: Ananthpur is well connected by Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport.