Lepakshi

Tour to Lepakshi

Introduction

The most highly populated state in southern India and the land simultaneously of the Telugu and the Charminar, Andhra Pradesh on the Bay of Bengal offers a plethora of the most diverse tourist experiences. From dilapidated fortresses to untamed wilderness, magnificent monuments to rustic tribal villages, Andhra Pradesh has it all. Home also to a bipolar communal environment, Tourism of Andhra Pradesh has always been a flourishing industry and still has not lost any of the attention due to it. The historic town of Lepakshi, located in Anantpur District of Andhra Pradesh particularly famous for its Vijaynagar style temples, holds a mirror to the past. The handicrafts of Lepakshi are also quite popular among women all over the country. A tour to Lepakshi therefore cannot be missed at any cost.

How to Reach

• By Road:

Lepakshi is 480 km from Hyderabad, the state capital. It is 120 km from Bangalore. On the way to Hyderabad from Bangalore, you have to take a de-tour of about 16kms on the left to reach Lepakshi.

• By Air:

Hyderabad Begumpet Airport, Tirupati Airport.

Sightseeing on Tour to Lepakshi

• Veerbhadra Temple

this temple is a notable example of the Vijayanagar style of architecture. The temple of Veerabhadra is mention in 'Skandapurana' as one of the hundred and eight important 'Shaiva Kshetras'. Legend has it that the temple of Veerabhadra was constructed by Saint 'Agastya' himself, but in it was developed into the present exquisite shrine by 'Virupanna', the treasurer of the Vijayanagar Kings. (shrines). Virupanna went ahead with the temple plans with such extravagance that the king returned to find the royal treasury empty and ordered Virupanna to be blinded. Virupanna, being the loyal servant that he was carried out the verdict himself.

The temple is divided into three parts - the 'Mukha Mandapa', (also called 'Nitya Mandapa' or 'Ranga Mandapa'), the 'Artha Mandapa' and 'Garbha Griha'. The 'Kalyana Mandapa', with 38 carved monolithic pillars in grey sandstone is unfinished. These three form a triangle with a common Mandapam. As per local legend Lord Shiva and Parvati were married on the spot where the Kalyana Mandapa stands. The Nandi near the Veerabhadra temple carved out of a monolith is yet another remarkable feature. This 4.5m high and 8.23m long structure truly justifies the grandeur and prowess of this follower of Lord Shiva.