TheĀ Veerbhadra Temple, located in the quaint village of Lepakshi in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, is a marvel of ancient Indian architecture.Ā This temple, dedicated to Veerabhadra, a fierce incarnation of Lord Shiva, is a testament to the artistic prowess of the Vijayanagara Empire.
According to the experts, Veerabhadra Temple, is thought to be build in 16th century. You will be astonished by the carvings of the temple. The carvings depict scenes from the epic tales of Ramayan, Mahabharat and Puranas. Because of its historical significance and marvellous architecture, it has recently earned a place in tentative list ofĀ UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.Ā
In this blog post, we will be talking about the history, architecture, and significance of the Veerabhadra Temple in Andhra Pradesh. Also we would would answering the most popular questions and share you some travel hacks. Our mission is to guide you in most practical way so your trip to Veerbhadra Temple is memorable.
History of Veerbhadra Temple
TheĀ Veerabhadra Temple,Ā was built in 1530 AD by Virupanna NayakaĀ andĀ Viranna, who were brothers and governors under the Vijayanagar Empire.Ā The temple is home to many Kannada inscriptions, as itās located close to the Karnataka border.
According to the Skanda Purana, one of the eighteen MahÄpurÄį¹as, the Veerabhadra Temple is one of the divyakshetras, an important pilgrimage site of Lord Shiva. This temple is not just a place of worship but also a treasure trove of stories and legends from Hindu mythology.
One of the most intriguing features of this temple is theĀ Hanging Pillar.Ā This pillar doesnāt touch the ground and thereās a small gap through which you can pass thin objects like a piece of cloth. This is one of the most attractive tourist spot. We would be talking about it later in the blog.
About 200 meters away from the Veerbhadra temple stands a very large Nandi (bull). It is carved from a single block of stone and is said to be one of the largest of its type in the world.
For travelers, this temple offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and spirituality. Its location in Lepakshi, a small village in Andhra Pradesh, makes it an ideal offbeat destination away from the hustle and bustle of city life.Ā The temple is easily accessible from Bangalore and Hyderabad, making it a perfect weekend getaway.
Whether youāre a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or a spiritual seeker, the Veerabhadra Temple in Andhra Pradesh has something for everyone.
Veerbhadra Temple: Architectural MarvelĀ
TheĀ Veerabhadra TempleĀ in Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh, is a treasure trove of historical and architectural wonders that attract tourists from all over the world. Here are some of the key attractions within the temple complex:
The Hanging Pillar
This pillar is a marvel of ancient engineering. While 69 other pillars support the ceiling, one corner pillar does not touch the temple floor at all. There is a small gap between the temple floor and base of the pillar and you can pass thin objects like a piece of cloth from one side to the other. Tourist guide who take you around would do a lot of fun activity around this pillar and would prove that the pillar is hanging in air.
However, it is slightly dislodged from its original position (stated by a news report) ā it is said that during the British era, a British engineer tried to move it in an unsuccessful attempt to uncover the secret of its support. However, a news report states that it is slightly dislodged from its original position. During the British era, a British archeologist attempted to move it unsuccessfully, trying to uncover the secret of its support.
Despite numerous attempts, no one has been able to explain the mystery of how the hanging pillar at the Lepakshi temple was crafted. This unexplained phenomenon adds to the templeās allure and makes it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in historical architecture.
The Nandi
This Nandi (bull), which is the mount of Shiva, is carved from a single block of stone and is said to be one of the largest of its type in the world.Ā Itās located about 200 meters away from the temple.
Intricate Carvings and Frescoes
Intricate carvings and vibrant frescoes adorn the temple walls and pillars, depicting scenes from the epic tales of Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Puranas. The hall’s ceiling is fully covered with mural paintings of these epics.
Mandapams
Several intricately carved Mandapams (halls) adorn the temple with beautiful sculptures. The main temple is laid out in three parts:
- The assembly hall known as the Mukha mantapa or Natya mantapa or Ranga mantapa
- The arda mantapa or antarala (ante chamber)
- The garbhagriha or the sanctum sanctorum.
Murals on the Roofs
Key attractions on the temple’s roof are the murals, and some of them have undergone restoration. The mural, 25-feet long and 14-feet wide, depicts Veerabhadra Swamy with 10 hands holding 10 different arms during Dakha Samharam.
The Location
Not only the temple has attractive architecture. But even the templeās location is unique. Being on a low-altitude hillock shaped like a tortoise adds to its unique charm. Itās built on the southern side of Lepakshi town, on a low altitude hillock of a large exposure of granite rock. This hill is in the shape of a tortoise, and hence known as Kurma Saila – meaning tortoise like mountain.
Veerbhadra Temple: Aarti TimingsĀ
For any devotee, the best time to visit temple would be during Aarti. To all the tourist visiting temples, its our most humble request, please visit temple during the Aarti. You would be touch by the vibe. Here are Veerbhadra Temple’s aarti timings:
- Morning Aarti:Ā 7:00 am
- Evening Aarti: 5:00 pm
How to Reach Veerbhadra Temple?
- By Road: If you are traveling from Bangalore, itās very easy to reach Lepakshi. The distance (approx 140 Kms) can be covered in approx 2 hours. From Bangalore, head towards the international airport by taking NH7 from Hebbal. Keep driving on NH7, you will cross Devanhalli and then Chikballapur. After around 40Kms after Chikkabalapur, you will see the toll plaza. Once you are out of the toll plaza, you are in Andhra Pradesh. Drive for around 5 Kms from the toll plaza, you will find a left turn (there are lots of markings for Lepakshi there from Andhra tourism, so you cannot miss it).
- By Railway: The nearest railway station is Hindupur Railway station at a distance of nearly 14.2 kilometers from Veerabhadra Temple.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Bangalore Airport at a distance of nearly 94 kilometers from Veerabhadra Temple.
India being fastest developing country in infrastructure. Please note that these details might change and itās always a good idea to check for the latest information before planning your visit.Ā
Also Read: Unveiling the Enchanting Grishneshwar Temple: A Journey of Discovery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is unique about the Veerabhadra Temple?Ā
One unique feature of this temple is that it has a hanging pillar which doesnāt touch the ground. Another unique feature is a very large Nandi status, carved from a single block of stone. It is about 200 meters away from the Veerbhadra temple.
What are the timings to visit the Veerabhadra Temple?Ā
The temple is open from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.
How can one reach the Veerabhadra Temple?Ā
The temple is 140 kilometers away from Bangalore. It can be reached via NH-7 to Hyderabad. This will lead you to Lepakshi on a branch road on the Karnataka-Andhra Pradesh border. The nearest railway station is Hindupur Railway station at a distance of nearly 14.2 kilometers from Virbhadra Temple. The nearest airport is Bangalore Airport at a distance of nearly 94 kilometers from Virbhadra Temple.
So, pack your bags and set off on a journey to explore the mysteries and marvels of the Veerabhadra Temple. Immerse yourself in its historical charm, architectural splendor, and spiritual aura. Itās not just a visit to a temple; itās a journey through time that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
We hope this blog post has provided you with all the information you need to plan your visit to the Veerabhadra Temple. Happy traveling!
