#Mytravels: Lepakshi

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

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

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.