India is one of the largest countries, with a population of over a billion. The appeal of its geographical variations and cultural diversity compels travellers to visit this place at least once in their life. Different climates, cultures and traditions can be experienced in just one trip to this country. Usually all the type of holiday deals are availed by visitors, but those who are interested in a particular region can opt for East, West, North and South India tour packages. Every corner of this place is full of tourist attractions, giving people an opportunity to learn about its history and traditions. The Lepakshi village in the Anantapur District is one such place, which houses the famous Veerabhadra Temple.
Historical Importance of Lepakshi
The centuries-old shrines of this popular temple bear historical as well archaeological significance. It is said that these statues were built during the reign of the Vijayanagara kings as it showcases beautiful mural paintings, which were popular in their time. Portraits of several Vijayanagara kings can also be seen in the temple along with a number of Kannada inscriptions on the walls. Several other temples can be seen at the Kurma Saila - a hillock, which surrounds this vital temple. The giant sculptures of Nandi and Naga of Nagalinga have a number of stories associated with them. Both of these were carved out of a single stone while the Naga was built while its builders were waiting for lunch. There are a number of other peculiarities of this shrine, as listed under.
Peculiarities and Artwork of Veerabhadra
The blotch named Eyes of Virupanna refers to the blood spot on a wall that was created because of a misunderstanding between the builder and the king. It is said that the furious king wanted the builder to be blinded as a punishment. On hearing this, the builder himself plucked out his eyes and threw them on the wall; thus creating a spot there. Mesmerising paintings have been done with natural pigmentation that was a common practice. Lepakshi saree designs, Hanging Pillar, Vastu Purush, Durga Padam, Padmini Race Lady and Rock Chain are unique to this site, adding to the beauty of this place. Tourists can get to know about the mythological epics of the Hindus - Ramayana and Mahabharata - scripted on the walls. Colossal painting of Veerabhadra and other paintings represent rare art forms, some of which are on the verge of extinction. Eight Panels depicting Puranic legends can be seen on the ceilings hall of dance. The exquisite carvings on granite stones picture Lord Brahma Playing drums and Shiva doing Taandav. Minute detailing and finishing of the artwork is beyond comparison.
The Nandi sculpture sitting outside the temple is one of the biggest monoliths of its kind in India. The statue is placed in such a way that it faces the Shiva Lingam surrounded by a serpent. Housing shrines of Lord Vishnu, Lord Veerabhadra and Lord Shiva, this place is of due importance for Hindu devotees. By taking a holiday package to this place, people can fulfil their wish of going on a South Indian pilgrimage.
Historical Importance of Lepakshi
The centuries-old shrines of this popular temple bear historical as well archaeological significance. It is said that these statues were built during the reign of the Vijayanagara kings as it showcases beautiful mural paintings, which were popular in their time. Portraits of several Vijayanagara kings can also be seen in the temple along with a number of Kannada inscriptions on the walls. Several other temples can be seen at the Kurma Saila - a hillock, which surrounds this vital temple. The giant sculptures of Nandi and Naga of Nagalinga have a number of stories associated with them. Both of these were carved out of a single stone while the Naga was built while its builders were waiting for lunch. There are a number of other peculiarities of this shrine, as listed under.
Peculiarities and Artwork of Veerabhadra
The blotch named Eyes of Virupanna refers to the blood spot on a wall that was created because of a misunderstanding between the builder and the king. It is said that the furious king wanted the builder to be blinded as a punishment. On hearing this, the builder himself plucked out his eyes and threw them on the wall; thus creating a spot there. Mesmerising paintings have been done with natural pigmentation that was a common practice. Lepakshi saree designs, Hanging Pillar, Vastu Purush, Durga Padam, Padmini Race Lady and Rock Chain are unique to this site, adding to the beauty of this place. Tourists can get to know about the mythological epics of the Hindus - Ramayana and Mahabharata - scripted on the walls. Colossal painting of Veerabhadra and other paintings represent rare art forms, some of which are on the verge of extinction. Eight Panels depicting Puranic legends can be seen on the ceilings hall of dance. The exquisite carvings on granite stones picture Lord Brahma Playing drums and Shiva doing Taandav. Minute detailing and finishing of the artwork is beyond comparison.
The Nandi sculpture sitting outside the temple is one of the biggest monoliths of its kind in India. The statue is placed in such a way that it faces the Shiva Lingam surrounded by a serpent. Housing shrines of Lord Vishnu, Lord Veerabhadra and Lord Shiva, this place is of due importance for Hindu devotees. By taking a holiday package to this place, people can fulfil their wish of going on a South Indian pilgrimage.
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