Lepakshi Temple, hosting 16th century mysteries within!

Today, let us explore a unique temple having unexplainable mysteries dating back to the 16th century, including the biggest statues & murals in India, and a hanging pillar that defies physics! The Lepakshi temple, alternatively called as the Veerbhadra temple, is one of the most wondrous marvels of ancient Indian architecture. Being carved out of rock, this marvel in stone speaks a ton about the great Vijayanagara Empire, and the era. It is located in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. Lord Veerabhadra is worshipped here, who is the fiery form of Paramashiva.

The most unique and famous feature of the temple is the hanging pillar here, which hangs with a thin gap between it and stone floor under it! Naturally, many have tried to figure out how this stone pillar hangs, but have failed.

The temple is built in three parts - Natya Mandapa, Ardha Mandapa, and Garbha Griha. The shrine at the temple is dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra. The temple itself is an exhibition of timeless art, having the most beautiful walls and murals. Most part of the temple is built on a low, rocky hill called Kurmasailam (‘tortoise hill’ in Telugu), inspired by the shape of the hill.

According to the Puranas, the Veerabhadra Lepakshi temple was built by the sage named Agastya. Statues of Lord Ganesha, Nandi, Veerabhadra, Shiva, Bhadrakali, Vishnu and Lakshmi are important ones in the temple. The temple is actually known for the grand statues it hosts.

It is also believed that Pakshi Jatayu fell to this spot after his battle with Ravana, to rescue Mata Sita. Lord Rama is said to have said to the brave bird “Le Pakshi” - ‘rise, bird’ in Telugu. This temple also houses a footprint that is believed to be of Mata Sita.

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The great Vijayanagara empire hugely supported the Indian artisans. The Veerbhadra Lepakshi Temple is an excellent example of the same. You will see images of musicians and saints etched in the wall here. There is also a beautiful dancing Ganesha statue, along with those of Mata Parvati and Lord Shiva. There is a huge 24 x 14-foot mural of Veerabhadra, which is believed to be the largest mural of any god in India. There is also a cave chamber where Sage Agasthya is said to have lived. Also, you will find monoliths of 7 headed naga guarding the Lingam here. Interestingly, India's biggest monolithic ornate Nandi is located here, at Lepakshi temple.

The mystery of the Hanging Pillar | The biggest mystery of the temple, a secret that is still unresolved, despite analysis by engineers, architects, archaeologists is - the hanging pillar. This enormous granite pillar dates from ancient times and is 20 feet tall. The most impressive feature of it is that it defies gravity and is hanging in mid-air! There is enough space between the base of the pillar and the ground to pass a cloth or piece of paper under it. The guides who take you around here will do different things to prove that the rock-solid stone pillar is indeed hanging, and is suspended - not touching the floor.

Some of these tricks include moving a twig slowly under the pillar, or sending a scarf between the pillar's base and the floor under it. From one end to the other! Tourists do give out audible gasps.

There are about 70 pillars at this fabulous 16th-century temple of stone in Vijayanagar style. This one in particular is the best known one, and is a tribute to the engineering genius of ancient and medieval India’s temple architects.

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But the pillar is a little dislodged from where it originally was. It is believed that during the British era, a British engineer had tried to move it. It was an unsuccessful attempt to uncover the secret of its support. Nevertheless, neither this very curious British engineer, nor anyone else after him were able to explain the mystery of how the pillar at this temple was built. The Lepakshi temple is a true marvel of archaeological and artistic beauty!