Deity
Veerabhadra (Shiva)
Main deity
श्री वीरभद्र
Lepakshi Veerabhadra Temple
Lepakshi Veerabhadra Temple at Lepakshi in Sri Sathya Sai district is a celebrated Shiva temple dedicated to Veerabhadra. The record highlights its 16th-century Vijayanagara heritage and notes its fame for murals and the well-known hanging pillar within the temple complex.
Lepakshi Veerabhadra Temple
Lepakshi Veerabhadra Temple
Lepakshi Veerabhadra Temple
Lepakshi Veerabhadra Temple
Lepakshi Veerabhadra Temple
Temple Summary
Quick Facts
Pilgrimage Status
Shiva Temple
Primary tag
Architecture
Vijayanagara (16th c.)
Style & era
Location
Lepakshi, Sri Sathya Sai, Andhra Pradesh
City & district
Temple Profile
History and Significance
History
- Founded
- 1530 AD
- Founder
- Virupanna and Viranna
- Construction
- 1530 - 1545 AD
- Lepakshi Veerabhadra Temple was built in 1530 AD by brothers Virupanna and Viranna, governors under Vijayanagara Emperor Achyuta Deva Raya. Constructed on a low hillock called Kurmasaila, it stands as an outstanding example of late Vijayanagara stone and mural art. Nearby rests a colossal monolithic Nandi carved from a single granite hill.
Significance
- Lepakshi Temple is globally renowned for its architectural marvels, including the famous 'Hanging Pillar' that disengages from the floor, allowing cloth to pass under it. The temple walls contain vibrant 16th-century ceiling fresco paintings depicting Vijayanagara mythologies and court life. A massive 20-foot-high monolithic Nandi bull sits 200 meters from the temple.
Temple Pilgrimage Summary
Pilgrim Guide
Before You Visit
Plan for heritage viewing time
Beyond darshan, set aside extra time to view murals and the hanging pillar area at a relaxed pace.
Confirm daily schedule
The listed hours (06:00–18:00) are approximate; verify any changes locally, especially on special observance days.
Respect protected spaces
Avoid touching painted surfaces or carved features; follow any on-site instructions for preservation.
Dress and photography etiquette
Wear modest attire; ask or check signage before photographing interior areas.
Heat and walking comfort
Carry water and wear comfortable footwear for the approach; use designated footwear stands before entering.
Temple Timings
Darshan Schedule
Opening timings
06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Festivals
Temple Calendar Highlights
Phalguna • 1 night
Maha Shivaratri
Major Shiva observance; the temple may see higher attendance and extended rituals.
Karthika • 1 month
Karthika Masam
Month associated with Shiva worship; pilgrim visits may increase.
Twice monthly • 1 evening
Pradosham
Regular Shiva observance days; expect moderate crowding around evening worship.
Temple Knowledge
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Community Notes
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Weekday mornings usually have shorter darshan queues than weekends.
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Carry a small cloth bag for footwear token and prasad containers.
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Aarti timings can shift on festival days, so check local notice boards.
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ज्ञ
श्री वीरभद्र
Lepakshi Veerabhadra Temple
Additional Resources
Watch
Temple Videos
Titles and links are sourced from temple JSON profile data.
Lepakshi Veerabhadra Temple | Hanging pillar and murals walkthrough
Heritage Walks India• 16:05
Watch on YouTubeLepakshi Temple darshan | Veerabhadra swamy | Andhra Pradesh
Temple Darshan Guide• 12:30
Watch on YouTubeVijayanagara architecture at Lepakshi | Travel guide
South India Travel Desk• 9:45
Watch on YouTube