Shri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple

The Lepakshi temple, also famous as the Veerabhadra temple, is in a small village in the Andhra Pradesh district of Anantapur. The Veerabhadra Swamy Temple is one of the best places in Lepakshi.

It's famous for its architecture, which includes cave rooms and pillars that hang down. Culturally and archaeologically, Lepakshi is an important site because it forms the main shrine to Veerabhadra. At one point, it was also the seat of power for the Vijayanagara Empire. The Lepakshi Temple represents a living art museum with famous paintings and murals. The Swamy temple is a must-visit during the Lepakshi tour package.

Another thing that makes the building unique and a must-see is what people think is Maa Sita's footprint. As soon as you walk into the temple, you can see pictures that tell you about the past of the Vijayanagara kingdom. The Lepakshi Temple has a lot of different statues, including those of singers, saints, Parvati, and Lord Shiva. These statues are what make the temple an archaeological and artistic treasure trove. The Skanda Purana says that the temple is a Divya kshetra, which means it is an essential place for Lord Shiva's followers to go on the journey.

What is the history of Veerabhadra Swamy Temple in Lepakshi?

The legend of Sita, who was kidnapped by Ravana in the Ramayana, gives Lepakshi its name. Bird Jataya saved her, and Lord Rama helped him attain Moksha by saying 'Le Pakshi' in Telugu.

There is a legend about the existence of two brothers named Virupanna and Veerupanna, who got blinded. The latter regained his eyesight playing in the temple. Enraged by the act of Veerupanna drawing from the royal treasury, the king had his eyes gouged out. In his bewildered state, he flung the pair of eyes on the walls of this very temple. The place got the name Lape-Akshi, meaning the village of the blind. The temple wall still bears the blood marks on his eyes.

What are the architectural features of Veerabhadra Swamy Temple?

Architects divided the Lepakshi temple, part of the Vijayanagara Architectural Style, into three parts: Mukha Mandapa, Arda Mandapa, and Garbhagriha. Fresco paintings of divine beings, musicians, dancing girls, saints, guardians, and the 14 avatars of Shiva are also found in this temple. Besides, colours symbolise the greatness of the temple's history in paintings. Consequently, the temple's walls are awe-inspiring, showcasing a blend of mineral and vegetable colours.

Who is the deity worshipped at the Temple?

In Veerabhadra Swamy temples, people honor Veerabhadra, a fierce form of the Hindu god Shiva. There is another name for Veerabhadra: the elder son of Shiva. He is thought to destroy his ego. Some believe that worshipping Veerabhadra can keep bad things away, make you healthy, and bring you luck and success.