Lepakshi Temple Timings, Pooja, History & Hanging Pillar

The Lepakshi Temple, also known as the Veerabhadra Temple, is a 16th-century architectural wonder located in Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh. It is famous for its beautiful Vijayanagara-style architecture, detailed stone carvings and lively mural paintings.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra, a powerful avatar of Lord Shiva.

Lepakshi Temple, Andhra Pradesh

This historic temple showcases Vijayanagara architecture, vibrant frescoes and a giant Nandi statue.

Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi Opening and Closing Times

Lepakshi Temple opens for darshan with a special Aarti at 5:00 AM and closes at 8:30 PM after completing all the rituals.

Lepakshi Temple Darshan Timings

Darshan at Lepakshi Temple in Andhra Pradesh is open from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM. The temple closes for darshan between 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM, then reopens from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Veerabhadra Temple Lepakshi Aarti and Pooja Timings

Every day, many people come to Lepakshi Temple in Andhra Pradesh to join the aarti and puja. Here are the timings for aarti and puja at the temple.

Hanging Pillar of Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi

One of the most remarkable features of the Lepakshi Temple is the “Hanging Pillar”, or Akasha Stambha.

Inside the main temple, there are more than 70 pillars, but one special pillar doesn’t touch the ground. You can even slide a thin cloth or paper under it. People say if you move this pillar, all the others move too. This mystery puzzles engineers!

The temple is built on a small hill and has two walls around it. It has three main areas: the dance hall called Natya Mandapa, the middle part called Ardha Mandapa and the main prayer room called the sanctum.

Kalyana Mandapa

The ceilings of the Natya and Ardha Mandapas have beautiful pictures that show stories from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranas. The best picture shows the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati Mata.

Mural Paintings

The temple’s ceiling has bright, well-kept paintings that show stories from the Vijayanagara period and the Hindu epics.

Giant Basavanna (Nandi) Statue at Lepakshi Temple, Andhra Pradesh

This big Nandi statue is part of the Lepakshi Temple area and is one of the biggest Nandi statues in the world. The statue is 27 feet long and 15 feet tall. It faces the Nagalinga in Veerabhadra Temple. There is a small pond near the statue.

Nagalinga

Inside the temple, there is a big stone with a carving of a many-headed snake (Naga) covering a Linga like an umbrella.

Lepakshi Temple Footprint

Lepakshi Temple in Andhra Pradesh is famous for a big 2.5-foot-long stone footprint. People believe it belongs to either Sita or Hanuman from the Ramayana.

Some stories say it was once a full footprint that wore down and was carved into the shape you see now.

There is a small temple for Lord Ganesh here, and you can find meditation rooms through the corridors. A unique leafless tree that has been here for many years grows in the temple area.

The temple has many more interesting things and shows the talent of ancient builders.

Lepakshi Temple History

Jatayu from the Ramayana fell at this spot while trying to save Sita Maa from Ravana.  He flew up in the sky as Ravana was fleeing in a chariot with Sita Mata. Jatayu fought valiantly but was no match for Ravana, who cut off his wings.

Sadly, Jatayu fell to the ground, grievously injured. Sri Ram, in pursuit of Ravana, found Jatayu lying on the ground, wounded and drawing on his last breaths.

Sri Ram said to Jatayu, “Le Pakshi,” which in Telugu means “Rise O Bird.” Jatayu rose for one final time and died in Sri Rama’s arms. Hence came the name Lepakshi. Faithful  Jatayu died, after which Sri Ram Himself performed the last rites, as he would have for a brother.

Rules to Follow in Lepakshi Temple

When visiting the Lepakshi Temple, please wear proper clothing and avoid carrying leather bags or belts. Photography is permitted inside, so you’re welcome to bring a camera.

Dress Code For Lepakshi Temple, Andhra Pradesh

All visitors to Lepakshi Temple, including children, must wear traditional dress. Men should wear a dhoti and uthrayam, and women must wear a saree and a chunni during aarti, puja, or temple events.

It’s best to wear traditional or simple clothing, as jeans, t-shirts, shorts and skirts are not allowed inside the temple.

Festivals Celebrated at Lepakshi Temple

Every year, many important festivals are celebrated with great excitement at Lepakshi Temple. Some important festivals celebrated at this temple are listed here.

• Mahashivratri
• Durgamma Festival
• Diwali
• Tirukarthikai
• Dussehra

Shopping in Lepakshi

Shopping in Lepakshi can be a great experience. Lepakshi is famous for its traditional crafts. You can shop for Banjara embroidery items, brass artefacts, Kalamkari paintings and Cherial scroll paintings, cotton and jute floor mats, and much more.  Kids will simply love the Kondapalli toys made from softwood.

Where to Stay in Lepakshi

If you are planning to visit Lepakshi and looking for the best accommodation, you can choose from hotels, dharamshalas and homestays – all available at budget prices and easy to book through YatraDham.Org.

Veerabhadra Temple Lepakshi Contact Details

Here are the contact details to help you connect with Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi.

How to Reach Lepakshi

To reach Lepakshi, you can travel by road, rail, or air, with good bus and taxi connections from nearby cities like Bengaluru and Anantapur.

By Train

Hindupur is the nearest railway station to reach Lepakshi, about 14 km from Lepakshi.

By Air

The nearest airport to Lepakshi Temple is Sri Sathya Sai Airport in Puttaparthi, 58 km away.

By Road

Lepakshi is well connected by road through Hindupur. Many private and government buses link Hindupur to other parts of India. You can also hire a taxi to reach Lepakshi easily.

Distances from Lepakshi

Here are the distances from Lepakshi to nearby cities and towns.

Lepakshi Temple Images

Here are some beautiful images of the historic Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi.

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