Story of Lepakshi
🕉️ The Divine Story of Lepakshi
📍 Location and Background
Lepakshi is a small village in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, near the Karnataka border. It is most famous for the Veerabhadra Temple, a masterpiece of Vijayanagara architecture built in the 16th century by Virupanna Nayaka and Veeranna, governors under King Achyuta Deva Raya (brother of the great Krishnadevaraya).
But the temple is not just an architectural wonder — it’s a place woven deeply into the Ramayana and Shaivite legends.
🌿 The Ramayana Connection
🦅 Jatayu’s Final Battle
According to the Ramayana, when Ravana abducted Sita and was flying towards Lanka in his Pushpaka Vimana (divine chariot), Jatayu, the mighty vulture and devotee of Lord Rama, saw her being taken away and tried to rescue her.
A fierce battle took place in the sky. Despite being old, Jatayu fought bravely with Ravana, trying to stop him. But Ravana struck him down with his sword, cutting off his wings. Jatayu fell to the ground, mortally wounded — and that very spot is believed to be Lepakshi.
🙏 “Le Pakshi!” — The Origin of the Name
Later, when Lord Rama and Lakshmana were searching for Sita, they found the wounded Jatayu lying on the ground. Seeing his devotion and suffering, Rama embraced him and said in grief:
But Jatayu, after telling Rama about Ravana and the direction he took, attained moksha (liberation) in the Lord’s presence.
Thus, the place came to be known as “Lepakshi” — Le (rise) + Pakshi (bird).
⚔️ The Legend of Veerabhadra
In another layer of mythology, the temple is dedicated to Veerabhadra Swamy, a fierce form of Lord Shiva.
According to legend, when Daksha Prajapati insulted Shiva by not inviting him to the yagna (sacrifice) and Sati (Shiva’s wife) immolated herself in sorrow, Shiva created Veerabhadra from a lock of his hair. Veerabhadra descended upon the yagna and destroyed it.
Thus, the Veerabhadra Temple symbolizes divine rage and protection.
🏛️ The Architectural Marvel
The Lepakshi temple complex is not just sacred but also an artistic treasure — a masterpiece of Vijayanagara art and engineering.
✨ Key Highlights:
The Hanging Pillar:
Among the 70 pillars in the temple’s Natya Mandapa (dance hall), one pillar hangs slightly above the ground, not touching the floor.
Visitors can pass a thin cloth or paper under it.
It remains one of India’s greatest engineering mysteries — showing the advanced construction skill of the Vijayanagara artisans.
The Giant Nandi:
About 200 meters from the temple stands a monolithic Nandi (bull), one of the largest in India, carved from a single granite block.
It faces the main shrine — perfectly aligned with Lord Shiva.
Murals & Frescoes:
The ceilings are adorned with ancient frescoes depicting stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas — still vibrant after centuries.
The Kalyana Mandapa:
An unfinished wedding hall, said to be built for the celestial wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati.
⚖️ The Curse of Virupanna
A tragic tale is also linked to the temple’s construction.
Virupanna Nayaka, the royal treasurer who oversaw the temple’s building, was accused of using royal funds without permission. King Achyuta Deva Raya, in anger, ordered his eyes to be gouged out.
Virupanna, in loyalty and despair, obeyed the order himself.
It is said the blood marks from his eyes are still visible on the western wall of the temple.
Thus, the place also came to be known as “Lepa-akshi”, meaning “the village of the blinded eye.”
🌸 Spiritual Significance
Lepakshi is a place of:
Divine sacrifice (Jatayu)
Devotion and liberation (moksha)
Shiva’s fierce energy (Veerabhadra)
Human artistry and tragedy (Virupanna Nayaka)
It represents the union of myth, art, and devotion — where gods, kings, and devotees all left their mark.
🕉️ In Summary
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Name Origin | “Le Pakshi” – “Rise, O Bird,” said by Lord Rama to Jatayu |
| Main Deity | Lord Veerabhadra (form of Shiva) |
| Period | 16th century, Vijayanagara Empire |
| Famous Features | Hanging Pillar, Giant Nandi, Murals, Unfinished Kalyana Mandapa |
| Mythological Link | Ramayana – Jatayu’s final resting place |
| Architects | Virupanna Nayaka and Veeranna |
| Location | Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh |
