Lepakshi – Bangalore’s Weekend Getaway with Unique Characteristics!
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Lepakshi, a quaint and historic destination located about 120 kilometers from Bangalore in the state of Andhra Pradesh. This smooth 2–3-hour drive by car is well worth it for anyone keen on exploring the rich tapestry of Indian mythology, heritage, and culture, all preserved in an environment untouched by modern technological hustle.
Lepakshi – myth behind the name!
According to Hindu mythology, the name ‘Lepakshi’ has a fascinating origin. It is believed that Lord Rama met the dying bird Jatayu here while searching for Sita. Jatayu, who was wounded in a battle with Ravana while trying to save Sita, was granted ‘Moksha‘ (release) by Lord Rama with the words ‘Le Pakshi,’ which means ‘Rise Bird.’
A Journey Through Time and Culture
Unlike many of Bangalore’s weekend getaways known for their scenic hilly terrains and plantations, Lepakshi stands apart with its deep historical roots, cultural richness, and architectural marvels. The prime attraction here is the Veerbhadra Temple – a masterpiece of ancient Indian architecture.
Architectural Marvels
The temple is renowned for its Hanging Pillar, intricate mural paintings on the ceiling depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other scriptures, and its symmetrically pillared dance hall adorned with carved columns and deities. Each corner of the Veerabhadra Temple reverberates with stories, myths, and local lore.
Two other striking features of Lepakshi include:
1. The Monolithic Nandi: Located a few meters away from the temple, this single granite, 20-feet high, and 30-feet long statue of Nandi is the largest in India. Its grand size and perfectly proportioned body, adorned with intricate decorations, stand as a testament to the architectural prowess of ancient Indian artisans.
2. The Nagalinga: Facing the Nandi, this 15-feet high, single granite, 7-hooded Nagalinga within the Veerabhadra Temple complex is another architectural wonder from the Vijayanagar Kingdom period.
Unsolved Mystery
Finally, the unanswered phenomenon revolving around a footprint on the temple floor that is always wet. One can see the water from underneath constantly sipping and washing this foot. Although, the source of this water is unknown and yet the footprint never went dry!
I returned from Lepakshi remaining perplexed by such amazing unanswered phenomena that remains a mystery despite leaps and bound technological developments. Questions such as, why stored water from river Ganges never gets spoilt, or in this case, wet footprint from unknown water source – how, why, etc., keep popping.
Probably, there are indeed greater reasons than our mind can decipher!
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