Located in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh,
Lepakshi is a small village that continues to carry a rich historical
significance. From its beautiful temples and awe-inspiring architecture to its
fascinating legends and local culture, it is an authentic testimony of India's
glorious past.
Local Legends and Myths:
The local legend of Lepakshi adds an element of mystery to the village's heritage. According to folklore, the name of this village is derived from the word "Lepa-akshi", which means "a painted eye". Local belief, when Lord Rama's brother Lakshmana was injured in battle, Hanuman brought Sanjeevani here to heal him. In gratitude Lord Rama carved a symbol resembling an eye on a stone, thus the name Lepakshi was born. These myths reverberate throughout the village and add to its charm.
Amazing
Architecture:
The architectural style of Lepakshi is truly amazing. The Veerabhadra temple dedicated to Lord Shiva stands as a testament to the artistic genius of the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple premises contain exquisite stone carvings, exquisite sculptures, and wonderful murals depicting mythological and divine beings. One of the most unique attractions is the Hanging Column – a remarkable artistic phenomenon in which a stone pillar seems to defy gravity and hang from above in the void.
Monolithic Structure:
Lepakshi is famous for its monolithic structure. Nandi, a majestic monolithic bull sculpture, is an example of this. Carved out of a single granite rock, Nandi is considered to be one of the largest monolithic Nandi idols in the world. Its fine detail and calm expression make it unforgettable. The presence of such exquisite monoliths is a testament to the extraordinary skill of the ancient Indian artisans.
Cultural Resources
and Handicrafts:
Lepakshi is a wonderful example of the vibrant local
culture of Andhra Pradesh. The village is known for its traditional weaving,
where skilled artisans create exquisite sarees and fabrics using age-old
techniques. Visitors can witness this local art of weaving and buy these
beautiful fabrics as souvenirs. The village is also famous for Kalamkari art, a
traditional form of hand-painted or block-printed cloth depicting scenes from
mythological stories and ancient epics.
Serenity Amidst Nature:
Lepakshi possesses natural beauty apart from the
wonderful architecture. Surrounded by rolling hills, lush greenery, and
picturesque scenery, the village takes one away from the chaos of city life
into a tranquil captivating setting. The nearby Penna River creates a harmony
between the natural beauty and the magnificent historical architecture.
Although this place is in the state of Andhra Pradesh, it is only 120 km from Bangalore in Karnataka, and it takes a couple of hours to drive to reach here. Lepakshi is steeped in time with its rich historical heritage, fascinating legends, and architectural marvels that are impossible for the true traveler to ignore.
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