Veerabhadra temple, Lepakshi built in the 16th Century
as per the Vijayanagar school of architecture. |
Lepakshi (Lat.13o,48' N.;Long.77o,36'E) is a small village situated fourteen(14) KMs to the east of Hindupur,Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh. The place can be reached by bus from Hindupur. It is famous for its temple of Veerabhadra and the mural paintings of the Vijayanagara period. There is a popular legend about this temple which runs as follows:
During the 16th century Lepakshi was great centre of trade as well as pilgrimage with fine architecture blended with bold, greaceful sculptures and exquisite paintings. Legend dates the Lepakshi town back to the days of the Ramayana. It is said that Lord Rama found the mythical birdJatayu lying wounded here, its wings were cut off by Ravana when he abducted Sita. According to locals, after Ravana had cut the wing of the bird, Lord Rama said "le pakshi"(rise bird) and the bird rose. Hence, this sacred place was named as Lepakshi. Local lore has it that sage Agasthya installed the idol of Papanaseswara at the site. However, the temple as it exists today is of more recent origin. The temple at Lepakshi is not a merely a Siva temple but has a temple complex. The peculiarity of this temple complex is th at it has idols of both Siva and Vishnu. The panchayatana advocated by Adi Shankara is probably implemented here in a slightly different from.
Lepakshi temple is said to have been built by two brothers, Virupanna and Veeranna. The temple was constructed during the reign of Achyuta Devaraya, who ruled the vijayanagara empire from 1530 A.D to 1542 A.D Virupanna was favoured by Achyutaraya.
Ravi
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