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Lepakshi is a small village that is located in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. Renowned for its temples and the mysteries in it, there are several that are bound to enrich your knowledge about the place’s history, culture, and art. One of the main attractions in Lepakshi is the Veerabhadra Temple, where tourists from across the country visit to unfold the mysteries of the hanging pillar. Beyond the temple, there are several other tourist attractions around Lepakshi that you must explore.
10 Places To Visit In Lepakshi
Be it the awe-inspiring Veerabhadra Temple to the colossal Jatayu statue, Lepakshi boasts a diverse range of attractions that will leave you spellbound.
1. Veerabhadra Temple
Photo: Bikashrd / Wikimedia Commons
Your trip to Lepakshi should undoubtedly start with a visit to the Lepakshi temple, more commonly known as the Veerabhadra Temple. The temple dates back to the 16th century, during the period of the Vijayanagara Empire, and is dedicated to worshipping the “fierce form” of Lord Shiva. The interiors of the temple feature staple Dravidian architecture that has intricate carvings and sculptures narrating stories from mythological lores like Ramayana. One of the most famous features of the temple is the hanging pillar, which is one pillar inside the temple that levitates off the ground. There are several frescoes around the temple, adding to its beauty and charm.
Location: Main road, Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
2. Nandi Bull
Just a short walk from the Veerabhadra Temple, you’ll find the monolithic Nandi Bull, which is another one of the main tourist attractions in Lepakshi. The sculpture of Nandi Bull is carved out of a single granite stone and is one of the largest ones in the country. It is located roughly 1 km from the main Lepakshi Temple, so you can walk there from the temple. The Nandi is adorned with intricate carvings, including bells, garlands, and ornaments, making it a visual delight for visitors.
Location: Lepakshi mandal Hindupur taluk, Dst, Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
3. Nagalinga
Photo: Chethankarur / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the historical and religiously significant Lepakshi tourist places is Nagalinga. It lies within the complex of the Lepakshi Temple, so just a few steps away. It is another monolithic wonder that demonstrates the skills of the sculptures back in the day. This seven-headed serpent is coiled around a large lingam and is carved out of a single rock. The prime period to visit Nagalinga is during the festivals of Shivaratri and Nag Panchami when devotees gather around the sculpture to offer their prayers. The architecture and the intricacies truly reflect the architectural brilliance of the Vijayanagara period.
Location: Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
4. Lepakshi Hanging Pillar
Photo: Chaitanya varma / Wikimedia Commons
Undoubtedly, you have to set aside some time to immerse yourself in the mysteries of the Lepakshi Hanging Pillar. It is located inside the Lepakshi temple and is a singular pillar that seems to be defying the odds of gravity. Many tourists who visit the temple head to this pillar to witness this phenomenon themselves. Out of the 70 pillars that support the temple structure, there’s only one that doesn’t touch the ground. You can pass a piece of cloth or paper underneath the pillar to check the truth behind the mysteries
Location: Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
5. Jatayu Theme Park
Photo: Ramya srivastav / Wikimedia Commons
There have been previous mentions of the significance of Lepakshi in Ramayana. It is believed that while Jatayu was trying to save Maa Sita from the clutches of Ravana, his wings were slashed and he fell on the grounds of Lepakshi. One of the tourist attractions that commemorates that is the Jatayu Theme Park. The park houses a colossal statue of Jatayu, which stands as a symbol of bravery and sacrifice. Apart from the statue, the theme park offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area, making it a perfect spot for photography and relaxation.
Location: Lepakshi Temple Rd, Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: ₹400
6. Kalyana Mandapam
Photo: Hariravuri17 / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the places to visit in Lepakshi is the Kalyana Mandapam, which is located inside the Lepakshi Temple. This particular structure is located on the back side of the temple, around the path from the Nagalinga. The main significance of this mandapam was that it served as the spot for the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On the pillar supporting the mandapam, you will find a variety of unique inscriptions and sculptures, which depict that other gods had attended the wedding as well. The entire structure is supported by 38 pillars, each featuring intricate architecture and carvings.
Location: Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh 515331
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
7. Murals of Lepakshi
Photo: Bikashrd / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The paintings and murals of Lepakshi are another one of the places to visit in Lepakshi Andhra Pradesh. These are located within the temple and are some of the finest examples of Vijayanagara-era painting. The murals are drawn on pretty much every surface of the temple, including the walls and the ceilings. They depict stories from the Hindu mythology of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The use of natural pigments and the detailed artistry reflect the high level of skill achieved by the artists of the time. One of the most renowned murals on the walls of the temple is the depiction of Lord Shiva and Parvati’s marriage.
Location: Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh 515331
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
8. Skandagiri Hills
Photo: Srichakra Pranav / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For a weekend getaway experience from Lepakshi, one of the best places to explore is the Skandagiri Hills. It is one of the best getaway spots that the travellers love exploring and taking pictures around. The most alluring experience that you can witness from these hills is the sunrise views. So, you can embark on adventurous night trek experiences along the well-marked trails of these hills to reach the summit for uninterrupted views of the sunrise. The trek is fairly easy and there are several historical folklore associated with the hills, which add to the charm of the place.
Location: 69 km from Lepakshi
Timings: 24*7
9. Lepakshi Handicrafts Market
Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Lepakshi Handicrafts Market is a hub for traditional crafts and artisan work. The village showcases a variety of handicrafts, including handwoven textiles, wooden toys, brass items, and intricately carved wooden artefacts. There are several markets around the main centre of the village, enabling you to splurge to buy directly from the local artisans. You can observe artisans at work and participate in workshops to learn about the crafting processes. The village is a vibrant centre of local culture and craftsmanship, offering a glimpse into the traditional arts of Andhra Pradesh.
Location: Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
10. Jain Heritage Center
Photo: Panchawatkar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the most underrated tourist places in Lepakshi is the Jain Heritage Center. This is one of the most renowned Jain heritage sites in Andhra Pradesh that features stunning architecture that stands out. You get to witness a wide range of Jain artwork inside the site, which adds to the charm of the place even further. The centre is located roughly 14 km from the main Lepakshi temple and houses the idol of Lord Parshwanath in the Kayotsarga posture. The idol itself is around 14 feet tall, which adds to the significance of this spiritual centre. There are local gift shops that you can buy different items from.
Location: 14 km from Lepakshi
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Given the number of places to visit in Lepakshi, you have to start with a solid action plan so you don’t miss out on any of the unique experiences there. The main attraction in this quaint village lies in the Veerabhadra Swamy Temple which houses several fascinating sculptures and a whole lot of mysteries. To witness and explore them in real time, secure all your bookings with TripXL for the best travel experience.
Cover Photo: Ramya srivastav / Wikimedia Commons
