Lepakshi a small village in Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh is known for its rich cultural history and creative sculptures. It is situated 15 km from Hindupur and is located close to Bengaluru. Lord Shiva worshipers frequently visit this place as there are over 100 Shiva temples, making it a popular destination throughout the year. There are various things to do in Lepakshi ranging from visiting marvel temples with serene surroundings to trying local cuisine. The famous Veerabhadra Temple, known for its sculpture and hanging pillar is one of the major highlights here. Lepakshi is a must-visit for those interested in art, architecture, and spiritual devotion alike.
Things To Do In Lepakshi
Explore the iconic Veerabhadra Temple and hanging pillar, stroll through the gardens, and enjoy the artistic surroundings. Don’t miss visiting the giant Nandi statue ancient caves and, pamper yourself with some delicious local cuisine, and shop for traditional artefacts. Here are some of the best things to do in Lapakshi:
1. Unveil The Mystery Of Hanging Pillar
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The Hanging Pillar is a marvelous architecture found in the Veerabhadra Temple at Lepakshi, in India. It is located 400 meters away from the Lepakshi bus stand. The temple was built during the Vijayanagar empire in 1540 AD, and the intricately carved hanging pillar inside the temple constructively defies gravity. Visitors can witness the mystery of the pillar by sliding a cloth or a piece of paper through the gap beneath the pillar. The pillars in the temple have sculptures of saints, musicians, dancers, and avatars of Shiva. During festivals, devotees perform abhishekams, offerings, and fire ceremonies at Veerabhadra temple. Therefore, visiting the Lepakshi temple during festivals is best to immerse yourself in the temple’s timeless beauty and the pillar’s wonder.
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2. Admire The Clouds At Skandagiri Hills
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Skandagiri is also known as Kalavara Durga. Historically, it is nestled in Karnataka amidst the lush greenery. It is located approx 60 km from Bangalore. This hill secretly holds a fortress built by Tipu Sultan before he lost the Anglo-Mysore war. Abandoned after that, the fort’s charm has only grown over time. The trek to Skandagiri spans 4 kilometres and is of moderate difficulty. It offers a mesmerizing experience, with clouds often enveloping the hill, creating a spine-chilling ambience. Reward yourself for the effort with a good sunrise amidst the clouds at the top of the mountain.
3. Pay Homage To Kalyana Mandapa
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Explore the Kalyana Mandapa, nestled within the Veerabhadra Temple, to uncover its historical significance. Legend has it that due to allegations in the past, Virupaana, as an act of devotion, cast his own eyes on the wall. Two red spots are said to be the poignant imprints. Highlighting the beauty of the Mandapa are the pillars adorned with intricate sculptures signifying different varieties of pillarets. The deity images and divineness of Lord Shiva and Parvati are carved on the pillar, commemorating their marriage. This place within the temple holds a rich cultural history and celebrates the traditional grandeur of Kalyana Mandapa.
Suggested Read: Festivals In Andhra Pradesh
Suggested Read: Festivals In Andhra Pradesh
4. Admire The Shivling Of Lepakshi Temple
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Inside Veerabhadra Temple, you can see a massive shiv linga adorned by a three-coiled, seven-hooded naga prabhavali, protecting the linga from the top. The seven hooded nagas are the seven great Naga Rajas (serpent kings) of the Naga Lok. This exquisite monolithic structure is 15 feet tall and is the largest in India. The structure of the Shivling makes you feel tiny when you stand in front of it. One can embark on this journey for a captivating experience while even the Lord Shiva devotees find this a sacred and spiritual encounter with God.
5. Explore Papanaseshwara Temple
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Papanaseswara Temple in Lepakshi stands as a testament to religion and architectural heritage. This temple was constructed during the Vijayanagara Empire, which grew in the 14th to 17th centuries, and the word ”Papanaseswara” means ”Lord who washes away the sins”, reflecting the purpose of the place and spirituality. Tourists visiting this place experience peace and spirituality while surrounded by architectural grandeur. This temple contains a sanctum shrine and intricate carvings that attract a lot of devotees of Lord Shiva and historians to learn about the culture and history. If you ever happen to visit Lepakshi, don’t miss out on Papanaseswara Temple for a spiritual and redeeming experience.
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6. Experience Lepakshi Village Dance
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Lepakshi is famous for its architectural marvels, cultural traditions, and various village dance forms. The dance form is deeply intertwined with history and mythology, and these dances are performed to educate and express devotion to the society about the art. Hence this could be a captivating experience trying various dance forms like Veeranatyam and Kolattam. Kolattam is a stick dance where men and women use sticks to dance and perform rhythmic patterns. These dances are performed even at weddings and festivals, and they celebrate life milestones so one can blend and engage in the occasion.
7. Visit Balaji Film Talkies
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Balaji Film Talkies is located 14km from Lepakshi at Hindupur. It’s a refreshing sightseeing experience and spending time with your family and friends. This place offers extraordinary innovative layouts and architecture, and nearby shops provide props, designs, colourful landscapes, and much more. This place could be the top-notch site for selfie lovers as they get to capture things that are shot in films since they have well-executed designs and merchandise. So if you’re looking for something apart from the spiritual and architectural designs, you’ll admire this place and have a rewarding experience.
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8. Traditional Shopping In Lepakshi
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Shopping in Lepakshi offers a delightful experience with various traditional crafts, textiles, and souvenirs that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage. Church Street, Veerabhadra Temple Road, and the lively bazaars near the Lepakshi Nandi are must-visits to find beautiful handwoven textiles, intricate brassware, and exquisite stone and wood carvings. Kondapalli toys that are crafted out of softwood Bidri craft with silvery contours and Cherial scroll paintings are among the best things to shop for in Lepakshi.
9. Savour The Local Cuisine
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After all the exploration, you should try the delicious and flavorful local cuisine. Traditional dishes like spicy Andhra biryani, Gongura pachadi (sorrel leaf chutney), and tangy Pootharekulu (dry fruits wrapped in thin paper sheets) are famous here. Try street food like pakodas and bhajjis served with chutney and a hot cup of tea. If you’re a foodie and love trying new cuisines and snacks, Lepakshi promises a satisfying culinary experience that won’t disappoint.
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10. Visit The Breathtaking Vivekananda Waterfalls
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Vivekanand Waterfalls is one of the mesmerizing two-level waterfalls near Lepakshi Temple. It is about 12 km from Chikkaballapur amidst the beauty of forest. The melodious sound of gushing water deafens as we move closer to the waterfall and break the silence. During the monsoon season, this place gets heavenly and beautiful, covered in mist, and enriches the beauty of falls. Visitors need to walk towards the falls to reach the falls as the road isn’t suitable for vehicles. Visitors can admire the scenic beauty of the forest and the mountains as they approach the falls to a breathtaking landscape.
Further Read: Places To Visit In Summer In Andhra Pradesh
Things to do in Lepakshi offer a fulfilling journey through history, culture, and spirituality, providing an enriching experience for all visitors. Whether you’re on a day trip or staying nearby, the rich culture, traditional cuisine, and local festivals further enhance the visit. So, book a trip to Andhra Pradesh and immerse yourself in the timeless charm of this popular Indian tourist destination.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Lepakshi
Is there any dress code to visit Lepakshi Temple?
Yes, jeans are allowed in Lepakshi temple but since it's a sacred place kindly dress modestly while you visit the temple.
What is the entry fee for Lepakshi Temple?
Entry to Lepakshi Temple is free, so visitors can conveniently explore the temple and its surroundings.
How much time is required to see Lepakshi?
The time to explore Lepakshi depends on individual preferences. Generally, it takes about 1 to 2 hours to explore the Lepakshi temple.
When is the best time to visit Lepakshi?
The best time to visit Lepakshi is between October to March since the weather is pleasant during these months, making it comfortable for sightseeing.
Are there guided tours available in Lepakshi?
Yes, tourist guides are available to offer insights into the architecture and history of the temples in Lepakshi and the significance of the surroundings providing the best experience.
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