V
ASI Protected
Veerabhadra Temple (Lepakshi)
Also known as: Lepakshi Temple
Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh
16th Century CE
Built by the brothers Viranna and Virupanna, governors under the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple is renowned for its outstanding mural paintings covering the ceilings, a massive Nandi monolith, and a famous "hanging pillar" that does not fully rest on the ground. The murals are among the finest surviving examples of Vijayanagara painting.
Source: Aitihasik heritage database. Use this as a field guide and verify sensitive historical claims before citation.
Details
- Dynasty
- Vijayanagara
- Style
- Vijayanagara
- Primary Deity
- Shiva (Veerabhadra)
- Languages
- Telugu, Sanskrit
- Scripts
- Telugu-Kannada, Sanskrit
Historical Significance
Contains the largest monolithic Nandi in India (4.5m tall). Features outstanding Vijayanagara-era ceiling murals. Famous for the mysterious "hanging pillar". Important site in the Ramayana tradition (Jatayu fell here)
Architectural Features
Massive monolithic Nandi (4.5 meters)Hanging pillar (does not fully touch the ground)Extensive ceiling mural paintingsLarge Nagalingam (Shiva lingam with serpent hood)Unfinished kalyana mandapa