Lepakshi

The iconic Naga Linga of Lepakshi

Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh - December, 2022.

In the annals of South Indian History, especially so for Andhra Pradesh, the era of Vijayanagara Samrajyamu (c.1336 - 1670s CE) holds a special place. Under the fiercely strategic oriented and Independent minded Devarayas of Vijayanagara, great patrons of art and architecture, a distinct culture developed, which is still found in Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. Lepakshi is associated with Ramayana, and the name of the town is derived from the cry of Lord Shri Rama comforting a dying Jatayu (mythical bird) in Telugu (లే, పక్షి literally - get up, bird). The temple of Lepakshi, dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra, a manifestation of Lord Shiva speaks volumes about the Vijayanagara legacy.   

Lord Vinayaka

Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple of Lepakshi is located in Hindupur mandal of Ananntapuramu district. It was built by governors Virupanna and Veeranna Nayaka, under the patronage of Vijayanagara Emperor, Achyuta Raya in c.1530 / 1540 CE. The temple is a classic example of Vijayanagara architecture. It is known for it's carvings and mural paintings. Paintings depicting themes of Parvati - Siva Kalayana, Keeratarjuneeyam, Saiva worship practices are beautiful and survive to this day. In fact, the fresco of the ceiling possessing the paintings of manifestations of Lord Shiva (Ardhanadeeswarudu, Chandesanugrahamurthi, Dakshianmurthy, Lingodhbhavamurthy etc) is said to the largest in Asia. 

A Painting

A Painting

Another interesting feature is the so called Hanging Pillar, a testament to the marvels of the then sculptors and builders, also a relic of overenthusiastic British officers! The pillar stands suspended and slightly dislodged, without touching the ground. In the inner compound, there is the famous iconic Naga Linga -  Shiva Linga protected by a huge 7 headed Serpent - a mastery in Stone. A huge Nandi, facing the Naga Linga is located adjacent to the temple. This bull is endowed with ornaments - all carved in stone. There is a Jatayu themed park nearby. 

Lepakshi has so much potential for tourism and being adjacent to Bengaluru, attracts huge crowds in weekend. Lepakshi deserves much more.      

Lepakshi Nandi

                      

 "Lepakshi" - on Lepakshi

16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu

Tuesday, 06th of August, 2024.

Maheeth Veluvali.

The Land of Singing Waves

Me @ Tharangambadi Beach

Tharangambadi (formerly Tranquebar), Tamil Nadu - September 2023

In Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu lies the sleepy coastal town of Tharangambadi (literally, 'The Land of Singing Waves'), that was once Danish East India Company's crowning glory in the Colonial Era (c.1620 -1777 CE). The Imperial Kingdom of Denmark-Norway was also one of the lesser-known protagonists of the 'White man's burden'. However their possessions in India mattered little when compared with the ambitions of the British or the French. 

South Asia's first Protestant Church (?) - Tharangambadi

Fort Dansborg - one of the largest Danish Forts ever built

Fort Dansborg, one of the largest Danish forts ever built is the most recognizable monument of Tharangambadi, her long unutilized little cannons seemingly perched towards the sea, as if thwarting  any competitive economic rival emerging from the Bay of Bengal. Much before the advent of the Danes, the Pandyas and later, Thanjavur Nayaka Kings controlled Tharangambadi. The old Saiva temple (Masilamaninathar) stands to this day, despite the ravages of the infamous 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami. The serene spot could have captivated the Danes, who indulged in business as well as proselytization, eventually 'purchasing' this piece of land from the Nayaka Kings, just like the British in Chennai. Unlike Chennai, Tharangambadi remains a foot note in the pages of history and retains an idyllic charm befitting a benign rural setting. The town also possesses South Asia's first Protestant Church (sic), a Danish-Indian Cultural Centre, and a museum. A walk down this town, soaking in the evening Sun, looking at the old colonial buildings, with the breeze from the Bay, offered a serene refreshment from the routine of the ordinary days - a much-needed break. 

Masilamaninathar Temple (Saiva) - Pandyas - Tharangambadi

Me @ Fort Dansborg

Tharangambadi, formerly Tranquebar, the little Denmark of India, the Indian darling of the Danes in 17th Century, remains 'The Land of the Singing Waves'. 

TownsGate - Tharangambadi

   

Main Street, Tharangambadi

The Land of Singing Waves - on Tharangambadi/Tranquebar

16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu

Saturday, 03rd of August, 2024.

Maheeth Veluvali.