| లేపాక్షి Lepakshi Lai Pakshi |
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| — village and mandal — | |
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| Coordinates | |
| Country | India |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| District(s) | Ananthapur |
| Nearest city | Hindupur, AP |
| Population | 42,101 (2001[update]) |
| Language(s) | Telugu, Kannada, Urdu. |
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| Time zone | IST (UTC+05:30) |
Lepakshi (Telugu: లేపాక్షి, Kannada: ಲೇಪಾಕ್ಷಿ) is a small village and Mandal headquarters located in the Anantapur District, in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is 15 km (9.3 mi) east of Hindupur and about 120 km (75 mi) north of Bangalore. From Bangalore, it can be reached by going west at Kodikonda checkpost on Hyderabad highway NH 7. Alternatively, one could take a bus or a train to Hindupur and then travel to Lepakshi.
Lepakshi is very important historically and archaeologically. There are three shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Virabhadra.
The famous Veerabhadra temple, dedicated to Veerabhadra, is located here. Built by the brothers Viranna and Virupanna, the temple is a notable example of the Vijayanagar architectural style.[1] It is famous for its sculptures, which were created by the artisans of Vijayanagara empire. A huge Nandi bull made out of a single granite stone is one of the attractions in Lepakshi.The place is renowned for being one of the best repository of mural paintings (see below) of the Vijayanagar Kings. Many old Kannada inscriptions dating back centuries can be seen on its walls. Legend has it that the Naga of the Nagalinga was carved out of a single stone by sculptors while they waited for their mother to prepare lunch.
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According to Indian census, 2001, the demographic details of Lepakshi mandal is as follows:
There are three temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Virabhadra. On a hillock known as Kurma Saila (tortoise shaped hill), temples of 'Papanatheswara', 'Raghunatha', 'Srirama', 'Veerabhadra' and 'Durga' are located. Veerabhadra temple is the most important temple.
Lepakshi is an ultimate testimony for Vishwakarma Brahmins who sculpted these temples. It is believed that noted Vishwakarma Amarashilpi Jakkanachari took part in the planning the architecture of these temples. There are many shila shasanas that the famous sculptors like Dakoju, Maroju took part in this temple sculpture.
There are many specialities in this temple like rock chain, Vastu Purush, Padmini race Lady, Hanging Pillar , Durga Paadam, Lapakshi saree designs etc. On the walls of this temple, there are several stories like mahabhaaratha, ramayana etc are sculpted. Also on the roof there are so many beautiful paitings done by natural colour mixtures. One more famous spot in this temple is "Eyes of Viroopaakshanna". As the history says, Due to king's misunderstanding with this temple builder, king ordered to make him blind. Hearing this the builder plucked his own eyes and throw at this temple walls. Till date one can find those blood scars on that particular wall.