[caption class="snax-figure" align="aligncenter" width="1140"][/caption] Lepakshi temple is a perfect getaway for a day trip from Bangalore, being at just about 120 Kms distance. It is culturally and historically significant for India. Built-in the 16th century, the temple is also known as the Veerabhadra Swamy Temple is perched on a hillock called the Kurma Saila (Tortoise-shaped rock). The Veerbhadra temple is one of the marvels of ancient Indian architecture. Carved out of rock, this magnificence in stone speaks volumes about the great Vijayanagara Empire. As per the Puranas, the Veerabhadra temple was built by the sage Agastya. Mortis of Ganesha, Nandi, Veerabhadra, Shiva, Bhadrakali, Vishnu, and Lakshmi are important deities in the temple. It is also believed that Pakshi Jatayu fell at 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. This ancient temple has inscriptions on every pillar and masterfully crafted roofs. The temple has been inhabited by several magnificent sculptures of God, Goddesses, amazing ancient dancers and musicians, and mesmerizing wall paintings and ceiling manifesting the stories of epic Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranas as well. Apart from this, there is also a large idol of Nandi, the bull in front of the temple, which is chiseled from a single block of stone. Still what makes it interesting? The Miraculous Hanging Pillar of Lepakshi temple The temple has been incorporated with 70 stone pillars and there is one that hangs from the ceiling. The foot of the pillar does not touch the ground and even a thin sheet of paper or a piece of cloth from one side to the other side. It is considered that when a British engineer tried to move the pillar in an inefficacious attempt to disclose the secret of its support, the pillar is little displaced from its original position. Howbeit, the Veerabhadra temple was built during the reign of King Achutaraya by the brothers Viranna and Virupanna, who were under the Vijayanagar Empire. This has been considered to be one of the wonders of India. Some might think that it has anti-gravity or levitation but the background story of the British engineer's failed attempt. However, the small village possesses a remarkable place in the great Indian epic Ramayana. The bird Jatayu was wounded by the king of Lanka, Ravana, who had hit the ground right here after a thwarted battle against the King who carried Sita, the wife of the king of Ayodha, Rama. Later, Rama spotted the bird and said "Le Pakshi" in Telugu, which literally means "Arise bird". Apart from the information, the name of the hanging pillar is Aakaasa Sthambha. All the pillars and walls of the temple are carved with the divine entities and 14 avatars of Shiva as well. Yet the Nandi idol is about 27 ft long and 15 ft rigid which is said to be the largest one in India. The temple is also inhabited by the idols of Ganesha, Nandi, Veerabhadra, Shiva, Bhadrakali, Vishnu, and Lakshmi as well. The temple is open to worship from 6 AM to 6 PM every day and 7 AM to 7.30 AM is the Abishek timing. The temple is worthy to be explored and you would be inculcated with the historical knowledge.
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