There are many wonders to the Veerbhadra Temple in Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh. Whether it’s the fact that it is built on a hill shaped like a tortoise, or the mysterious Hanging Stone Pillar that has puzzled scientists and historians.

Lepakshi temple has its reference in the ancient scripture Skandapurana, and it is believed to have been built by Sage Agastya. Constructed in the classic Vijaynagar style, it was built during the reign of King AchyutaDevaraya.

The most outstanding feature of this temple is the 100-pillared Natya Mandapa with intricately carved pillars and exquisite sculptures. The pillars are carved with life-like sculptures of gods and goddesses playing musical instruments and dancing. You can see Shiva performing Nataraja Tandava, Brahma playing the drum, Narada on Tamburu and nymphs in dancing postures.

In the main hall in front of the shrine there is a hanging pillar, the base of which does not touch the floor, which is an amazing piece of architectural wonder that has puzzled several experts. The pillar does not rest on the ground completely but hangs in the air, with enough space between its base and the ground to pass a sheet of paper or a small twig to the other side. It is believed that the pillar was deliberately so constructed to showcase the architectural talents of the kingdom.

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Behind the main temple, on the south-east corner of the inner enclosure is a mandapa, near which, on a granite base, there is a magnificent rock-cut sculpture of a huge serpent with three coils and seven hoods, which is regarded as the largest nagalinga in the country.

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There is also a monolithic Nandi structure in the vicinity. At 27 feet in length and 15 feet in height, it is considered India’s biggest monolithic Nandi.

Image Credit: wikimedia

The Lepakshi temple is indeed an architectural wonder from India’s history. It is a must visit for any traveller, who hopes to look for a less-trodden path.

Bangalore has the closest airport to Lepakshi. Lepakshi is easily approachable through road via Hindupur.

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