Lepakshi Temple

WHERE IS Lepakshi Temple : Andhra Pradesh

The Vijayanagar Empire caused a number of monuments to be built and patronized in the State of Andhra Pradesh. The ornate Lepakshi temples being one of the popular temples of that era. Lepakshi is a small village, which lies nine miles east of Hindupur in Anantapur District of Andhra and is famous for its temple of Veerabhadra, and is also a renowned place where the best specimens of the mural paintings of the Vijayanagar kings are available.

The beautiful sculptures on the prakaram attract the pilgrims' attention. These include 14 forms of Siva, like Dakshinamurthi, Ardhanareeswara, Tripurantaka etc. The hall of creepers is another excellent work of art, which has provided perennial inspiration to textile designers over the years. About 500m, North-East of the temple stands India's largest monolithic Nandhi, measuring about 8.25m long and 4,60m high.

Architecture
The flat stuccoed granite ceilings of the Vijayanagar Empire provided a suitable background for frescoes as seen at Lepakshi. This temple is a notable example of the Vijayanagar style of architecture, and is built on a low rocky hill, which is called Kurmasaila so called because the bill is like a tortoise, in shape. An inscription on the exit of the outer wall of the temple records that one Virupanna constructed it in the 16th century.

Veerabhadra Temple Lepakshi: Andhra Pradesh

The temple, a wonderful example of the Vijayanagara Architectural style and art and a master piece of art work done by the Vishwakarma Brahmin stapathis who sculpted this temple. This was built in the 16th century and sits on a mount. The presiding deity is Veerabhadra

Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium :
Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium is a under taking showroom of A.P Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd and State Government. Cherial scroll paintings, Brass Artware of A.P, Wood carvings , Rose wood furniture, Bobbili Veena, Banjara Embroidery, Rosewood Panels, Kondapalli toys, Kalamkari paintings, Stone carvings, Nirmal furniture, Cotton and jute durries, Nirmal toys, Leather lamp shades, Nirmal paintings, Kalamkari block prints, Silver filigree & etc., are available at Lepakshi Emporium.