Veerabhadra Temple

Prime Minister offered prayers at the historic Veerabhadra Temple at Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh’s Sri Sathya Sai.

About Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi:

• The Veerabhadra Temple is located in Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh, India.
• It was built during the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century, under the patronage of the brothers Viranna and Virupanna.
• Known for its exquisite Vijayanagara architectural style, the temple is a fine example of the Vijayanagar style with intricately carved pillars and sculptures.
• The main deity of the temple is Lord Veerabhadra, a fierce form of Lord Shiva.

Architectural Features:

• Lepakshi Monolith: The temple is renowned for the Veeraabhadra Lepakshi monolith, a massive granite Nandi (bull), located a short distance from the temple.
• Hanging Pillar: One of the most fascinating features is the ‘Hanging Pillar’ in the main hall, which doesn’t touch the ground fully, showcasing the architectural brilliance of the Vijayanagara craftsmen.

Mural Paintings:

• The temple is adorned with mural paintings depicting scenes from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Vijayanagara period.

Epigraphical Inscriptions:

• The temple complex also contains many epigraphical inscriptions, providing historical insights into the socio-economic and cultural aspects of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• It is declared a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), highlighting its cultural and historical significance.

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