Kamal Guha: /* External links */

2023-11-07T00:54:04Z

External links

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:24, 7 November 2023
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	{{DEFAULTSORT:Veerabhadra Temple (Lepakshi)}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Veerabhadra Temple (Lepakshi)}}
	[[Category:Shiva temples in Andhra Pradesh]]		[[Category:Shiva temples in Andhra Pradesh]]
	[[Category:Hindu temples in ~~Anantapur~~ district]]		[[Category:Hindu temples in Sri Sathya Sai district]]
	[[Category:16th-century Hindu temples]]		[[Category:16th-century Hindu temples]]
	[[Category:Monuments of national importance in Andhra Pradesh]]		[[Category:Monuments of national importance in Andhra Pradesh]]

Kamal Guha: Correction

2023-11-07T00:52:23Z

Correction

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:22, 7 November 2023
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	\| country = India		\| country = India
	\| state = [[Andhra Pradesh]]		\| state = [[Andhra Pradesh]]
	\| district = [[~~Anantapur District\|Anantapur~~]]		\| district = [[Sri Sathya Sai district]]
	\| location = [[Lepakshi]]		\| location = [[Lepakshi]]
	\| elevation_m =		\| elevation_m =
	\| deity = [[Veerabhadra]]		\| deity = [[Veerabhadra]]
	\| festivals =		\| festivals =
	\| architecture = [[Dravidian architecture]]		\| architecture = [[Dravidian architecture]]

imported>Ritvik S: /* Architecture */

2021-05-21T09:21:50Z

Architecture

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{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2019}}
{{Infobox Hindu temple
| name = Veerabhadra Temple
| image = Veerabhadra Temple Tower.JPG
| image_upright =
| alt =
| caption = Gopuram
| country = India
| state = [[Andhra Pradesh]]
| district = [[Anantapur District|Anantapur]]
| location = [[Lepakshi]]
| elevation_m =
| deity = [[Veerabhadra]]
| festivals =
| architecture = [[Dravidian architecture]]
| temple_quantity =
| monument_quantity =
| inscriptions =
| established =
| creator =
| website =
}}

'''Veerabhadra temple''' is a Hindu temple located in [[Lepakshi]], in the state of [[Andhra Pradesh]], India. The temple is dedicated to [[Virabhadra]], a fierce emanation of Lord Shiva. Built in the 16th century, the architectural features of the temple are in the [[Vijayanagara architecture|Vijayanagara style]] with profusion of carvings and paintings at almost every exposed surface of the temple. It is one of the centrally protected [[Monuments of National Importance|monuments of national importance]] and is considered one of the most spectacular Vijayanagara temples.<ref>{{cite web|title=Centrally Protected Monuments|url=http://asihyd.ap.nic.in/monuments.html|website=Archeological Survey of India|access-date=27 May 2017|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626104454/http://asihyd.ap.nic.in/monuments.html|archive-date=26 June 2017|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Dallapiccola|first=Anna Libera|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XtwKwwEACAAJ&newbks=0&hl=en|title=Lepakshi: Architecture, Sculpture, Painting|last2=Majlis|first2=Brigitte Khan|last3=Michell|first3=George|date=2019|publisher=Niyogi Books|isbn=978-93-86906-90-8|language=en}}</ref> The fresco paintings are particularly detailed in very bright dresses and colours with scenes of [[Rama]] and [[Krishna]] from the epic stories of the [[Ramayana]], the [[Mahabharata]] and the [[Puranas]] and they are well preserved. There is a very large [[Nandi (bull)|Nandi]] (bull), mount of [[Shiva]], about {{Convert|200|m}} away from the temple which is carved from a single block of stone, which is said to be one of the largest of its type in the world.

== Location ==
The temple has been built on the southern side of Lepakshi town, on a low altitude hillock of a large exposure of granite rock, which is in the shape of a [[tortoise]], and hence known as ''Kurma Saila''. It is {{Convert|140|km}} away from [[Bangalore]]. The approach from the [[National Highway 7 (India)(old numbering)|National Highway NH7]] to [[Hyderabad]] that takes a branch road at the [[Karnataka]]-Andhra Pradesh border leading to Lepakshi, {{Convert|12|km}} away. Another route to reach the temple is taking a route from [[Hindupur]]. It is situated {{Convert|35|km}} from [[Penukonda]], located in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh.{{Sfn|Michell|2013|p=328}}<ref name="Kamath">{{Cite web|last=Kamath|first=J.|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/life/2003/01/13/stories/2003011300060300.htm|title=The snake and the bull|access-date=11 April 2015|date=13 January 2003|newspaper=Hindu Business Line}}</ref>{{Sfn|Knapp|2009|p=608-09}}

== History ==
The temple was built in 1530 AD (1540 AD is also mentioned{{Sfn|Michell|2013|p=328}}) by [[Virupanna Nayaka and Viranna]] , both brothers who were Governors under the [[Vijayanagar Empire]] during the reign of King Achutaraya, at [[Penukonda]]. The cost of building the temple was defrayed by the government.{{Sfn|Knapp|2009|pp=608–09}}{{Sfn|Michell|2013|p=328}}<ref name=Kamath /> According to [[Skanda Purana]], the temple is one of the ''divyakshetras'', an important pilgrimage site of Lord Shiva.{{Sfn|Knapp|2009|pp=608–09}}

== Architecture ==
[[File:Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu.JPG|thumb|right|Carvings of [[Brahma]] and [[Vishnu]] on pillars in the [[manadapa]]]]
[[File:Lepakshi Temple Ceiling.jpg|right|thumb|Paintings in the ceiling of the Muka mantapa]]
[[File:Ceiling paint, andhra, lepakshi, ap.JPG|right|thumb|A painting in the ceiling]]
[[File:Naga Lingam Lepakshi Temple Hindupur 3.jpg|right|thumb|The hooded serpent with 7 heads shading the lingam sculpture]]
The temple is of the Vijayanagara architectural style.<ref name=Kamath /> The main temple is laid out in three parts, these are: The assembly hall known as the Mukha [[mantapa]] or Natya mantapa or Ranga mantapa; arda mantapa or antarala (ante chamber); and the [[garbhagriha]] or the sanctum sanctorum.{{Sfn|Bhardwaj|1998|p=295}} The temple, as an edifice, is encircled by two enclosures. The outermost walled enclosure has three gates, the northern gate is used regularly. The inner east gate is the entry to the assembly hall, which is a large sized open hall designed with a large space in its central part.{{Sfn|Michell|2013|p=328}}

It is at the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum and has a profusion of sculptures and paintings over every inch of space on the columns and ceiling.<ref name=Kamath /> The images on the pillars and walls are of divine beings, saints, guardians, musicians, dancers and 14 [[avatars]] of [[Shiva]]. Figurines of the goddesses [[Ganges in Hinduism|Ganga]] and [[Yamuna in Hinduism|Yamuna]] flank the entrance to the sanctum.{{Sfn|Knapp|2009|pp=608–09}} The exterior columns of this hall are built over a decorated plinth; the decorations are in the form of blocks of carved images of horses and soldiers. The columns are slim and have features of collonettes carved with [[eaves]], overhanging in a curved shape. The open space in the middle part of the hall is defined by large columns or piers which have carvings of triple figures.{{Sfn|Michell|2013|p=328}}

In the columns in the northeastern part of the hall, there are images of [[Nataraja|Natesha]] flanked by [[Brahma]] and a drummer. In an adjoining column there are figurines of [[nymphs]] in dancing postures, flanked by a drummer and cymbalist. The column at the southwest part of the hall has an image of [[Parvathi]], Shiva's consort, flanked by female attendants. There are also carvings of divinities such as [[Bhringi]] with three legs and [[Bhikshatana]] carved in a dancing posture; this is in the northwestern part of the hall. The ceiling of the hall is fully covered with mural paintings depicting the scenes from the epics, the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the Puranas along with the life sketches of the benefactors of the temple.<ref name=Kamath />{{Sfn|Michell|2013|p=328}}

The paintings in each bay on the ceiling of the main mandapa, the antarala and other shrines, depict the grandeur of Vijayanagara pictorial art. They are painted over an initial plaster layer of lime mortar. The colour scheme consists of vegetable and mineral colours of yellow, ochre, black, blue and green blended with lime water; the background is generally painted in red colour. Apart from figures of gods and goddesses, in the presence of the devotees arranged in rows, the frescoes also depict the incarnations of Vishnu.{{Sfn|Chilli|pp=51–53}} The paintings are in striking compositions where the particular emphasis is on the period costumes and facial expressions.{{Sfn|Michell|2013|p=328}}

The fresco in the ceiling of ardha mantapa (ante chamber), which is said to be Asia's largest, measures {{Convert|23|x|13|ft}}. It has frescoes of the 14 [[avatars]] of Lord Shiva as: Yoga[[Dakshinamurthy|dakshinamurti]], Chandes Anugraha Murthy, [[Bhikshatana]], [[Harihara]], [[Ardhanarishwara]], [[Kalyanasundara]], [[Tripurantaka]], [[Nataraja]], Gouriprasadaka, [[Lingodbhava]], Andhakasurasmahara and so forth.{{Sfn|Chilli|pp=51–53}}

The presiding deity deified in the sanctum sanctorum is a near life-size image of [[Veerabhadra]], fully armed and decorated with [[skulls]]. There is a cave chamber in the sanctum where sage [[Agasthya]] is said to have lived when he installed the image of the Linga here. The ceiling in the sanctum above the deity has paintings of the builders of the temple,{{Sfn|Knapp|2009|pp=608–09}}<ref name=Kamath /> Virupanna and Viranna, regally dressed and crowned with headgear similar to those adorning the [[Krishnadevaraya]]'s bronze statue in [[Tirupati]]. They are depicted, with their entourage, in a state of reverential prayer, being offered [[Vibhuti|sacred ashes]] of their family deity.{{Sfn|Chilli|pp=51–53}}

Within the temple complex, on the eastern wing, there is a separate chamber with Shiva and his consort Parvathi carved on a boulder. In another shrine chamber there is an image of Lord Vishnu.{{Sfn|Knapp|2009|pp=608–09}}

Within the temple precincts, to its eastern side, there is huge boulder of granite stone which has carving of coiled multi-hooded [[serpent (symbolism)|serpent]] providing an umbrella cover over a [[Linga]].{{Sfn|Knapp|2009|pp=608–09}}<ref name=Kamath />

The hanging pillar is yet another attraction in the temple. There is a gap between the base of the pillar and ground through which cloth and paper can be passed, indicating the pillar is not supported by the ground.

A huge granite Nandi (bull), {{Convert|20| ft}} in height and {{Convert|30|ft}} in length, bedecked with garlands and bells,{{Sfn|Knapp|2009|pp=608–09}}{{Sfn|Michell|2013|p=328}} carved out of a single block stone, is located about {{Convert|200|m}} from the temple, which faces the statue of the serpent in the precincts of the temple.<ref name=Kamath /><gallery>
File:Front side of Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi.jpg|Front Side View of Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi
File:North Side View , Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi.jpg|North Side View of the temple
File:Brihngi , the three legged dance Teacher , Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi.jpg|The Dance Teacher
File:Veerabhadra Temple giant footprint of hanuman.jpg|Giant footprint inside the temple premises. It is said to be of that of [[Hanuman]].
</gallery>

== References ==
<references />

== Bibliography ==
* {{cite book|last= Bhardwaj |first=D. S. |title=Domestic Tourism in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1VxSfH_hMPkC&pg=PA295|date=1 January 1998|publisher=Indus Publishing|isbn=978-81-7387-078-1}}
* {{cite book|last= Knapp |first=Stephen |title=Spiritual India Handbook|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=djI5mL2qeocC&pg=PT608|date=1 January 2009|publisher=Jaico Publishing House|isbn=978-81-8495-024-3}}
* {{cite book|last= Michell |first=George |title=Southern India: A Guide to Monuments Sites & Museums|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GdBbBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT328|date=1 May 2013|publisher=Roli Books Private Limited|isbn=978-81-7436-903-1}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://cheeseweb.eu/2011/06/veerabhadra-temple-lepakshi-bhoganandishwara-temple-nandi-hills-india-photo-essay/ Photo Essay of the Temple]
* [https://templesblog.com/lepakshi-veerabhadra-temple/ Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi tour information]
*[http://www.aptourism.gov.in/destinations/21/lepakshi AP Tourism Authority]
*[https://www.realbharat.org/lepakshi-temple-every-stone-has-a-story-to-tell/ Lepakshi Temple : Every Stone Has a Story to Tell - Realbharat]

{{coord|13|48|6.64|N|77|36|34.37|E|region:IN-AP|display=title}}
{{Hindu Temples in Andhra Pradesh}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Veerabhadra Temple (Lepakshi)}}
[[Category:Shiva temples in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Anantapur district]]
[[Category:16th-century Hindu temples]]
[[Category:Monuments of national importance in Andhra Pradesh]]

Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi - Revision history

Kamal Guha: /* External links */

Kamal Guha: Correction

imported>Ritvik S: /* Architecture */