Veerabhadra temple, Andhra Pradesh
Been there recently?
Veerabhadra temple, located in Lepakshi, is dedicated to Veerabhadra, a fierce incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple was constructed in the 16th century, and its Vijayanagara-style architecture is evident in the abundance of carvings and paintings that cover nearly every exposed surface. One of the largest of its kind in the world, a very large Nandi (bull), the mount of Shiva, is located about 200 metres from the temple. A single block of stone was used to carve it.
Nearby Places to See
Lepakshi Nandi and Nagalinga
The granite Nandi statue is located in a separate open area about 500 metres from the Veerabhadra Temple. It stands at a towering 20 feet tall and 30 feet long, making it one of the largest monolithic Nandi sculptures in all of India. The illustrious Vijayanagara dynasty erected this magnificent Nandi. Artistic and commanding, the Nagalinga sculpture can be found close to the Veerabhadra temple. The 15 feet Naga statue is depicted with three coils and seven hoods, the coils serving as the Shivalinga’s base and the hoods rising above it to create a lovely shelter.
The granite Nandi statue is located in a separate open area about 500 metres from the Veerabhadra Temple. It stands at a towering 20 feet tall and 30 feet long, making it one of the largest monolithic Nandi sculptures in all of India. The illustrious Vijayanagara dynasty erected this magnificent Nandi. Artistic and commanding, the Nagalinga sculpture can be found close to the Veerabhadra temple. The 15 feet Naga statue is depicted with three coils and seven hoods, the coils serving as the Shivalinga’s base and the hoods rising above it to create a lovely shelter.
Gudibande Fort
The town of Gudibande in the Indian state of Karnataka is about 20 kilometres from Lepakshi, where the fort is located. Located on a hill in the centre of town, this small fort dates back to the 17th century and can be reached in under an hour on foot. Finding the escape passages that were built for emergencies is an interesting aspect of the hike. There are roughly 7 levels to the fort, and Rameshwara Temple is located at the top.
The town of Gudibande in the Indian state of Karnataka is about 20 kilometres from Lepakshi, where the fort is located. Located on a hill in the centre of town, this small fort dates back to the 17th century and can be reached in under an hour on foot. Finding the escape passages that were built for emergencies is an interesting aspect of the hike. There are roughly 7 levels to the fort, and Rameshwara Temple is located at the top.
Hanging Pillar
The hanging pillar at the Veerabhadra temple is the main draw, in addition to the sculptures and the architecture. One of the temple’s approximately 70 stone pillars hangs from the ceiling without touching the ground. The visitors are astounded by a gap that is clearly visible.
The hanging pillar at the Veerabhadra temple is the main draw, in addition to the sculptures and the architecture. One of the temple’s approximately 70 stone pillars hangs from the ceiling without touching the ground. The visitors are astounded by a gap that is clearly visible.
