Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi

Vijayanagara murals, hanging pillar, and giant Nandi.

दर्शन महत्व: One of South India’s most photographed ‘hidden’ temples — still worth weekday visits.

यात्रा का सर्वश्रेष्ठ समय: Oct–Feb

History

The Veerabhadra temple at Lepakshi is a 16th-century Vijayanagara masterpiece in Anantapur district. Murals, a hanging pillar, and a colossal Nandi make it one of South India’s most visited ‘heritage’ Shaiva shrines.

Legends

• Lepakshi is tied to the Ramayana: Jatayu fell here, and Rama said ‘Le Pakshi’ (rise, bird) — giving the village its name.
• Veerabhadra, Shiva’s fierce emanation after Sati’s death, is the presiding form.