Lepakshi


Lepakshi is a village in the Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located east of Hindupur and approximately north of Bangalore." 'Le pakshi' said Lord Rama to Jatayu, the bird, asking it to get up," says the guide a bit dramatically narrating the episode from Ramayana."Ravana had chopped off its wings and Lord Rama found the bird fallen right here in this village. That's why it's called Lepakshi. Lepakshi is culturally and archaeologically significant as it is the location of shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Veerabhadra which were built during the Vijayanagara Kings' period. The temples are the location of mural paintings of the Vijayanagara kings and Kannada inscriptions. Near the temple complex is a large granite Nandi bull. On a hillock known as Kurma Saila, "tortoise shaped hill", are other temples to Papanatheswara, Raghunatha, Srirama, and Durga. Lepakshi is also famous for puppet show based on Hindu mythology.There is also a three-headed bull with single body carved on the pillar of main entrance pillar.

Archaeological sites

Veerabhadra Temple

The Veerabhadra temple of Lepakshi, which was built by the brothers Viranna and Virupanna, is dedicated to Veerabhadra. It is an example of the Vijayanagara architectural style. Points of interest in the temple include a rock chain, Vastu Purusha, the Padmini race lady, the hanging pillar, Durga Paadam, the eyes of Viroopaakshanna and Lepakshi saree designs. The paintings on the roof are made with natural pigments. Another interesting aspect of this temple is that it is North facing.There is a 3 headed bull with single body is carved on the pillar of main entrance.

Transport

railway station is a major railway station.
Lepakshi is well connected by buses to Anantpur, Hindupur, Bangalore