About Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi
The Veerabhadra Temple stands on a low tortoise-shaped granite hill called Kurma Saila at Lepakshi, in Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh, about 15 km from Hindupur and about 120–140 km north of Bengaluru depending on the route. It is dedicated to Veerabhadra, the fierce form of Shiva born from his anger at Daksha's sacrifice. The temple is one of the most admired monuments of the Vijayanagara period, known for its sculpture and especially for some of the best-preserved temple murals in India. It is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and is on India's tentative list for World Heritage status.
The temple was built around 1530–1540 CE by the brothers Virupanna and Viranna, governors at Penukonda under the Vijayanagara king Achyuta Deva Raya. A popular local story says that Virupanna was accused of using royal funds for the temple and blinded himself in remorse, and dark marks on a wall are pointed out as the stains; this is a legend rather than recorded history. The place name is linked by tradition to the Ramayana: Rama is said to have found the wounded bird Jatayu here and told him 'le pakshi', meaning 'rise, bird'.
The temple has a large open dance hall (natya mandapa) with pillars carved with musicians, dancers and deities, an antechamber and the sanctum of Veerabhadra. The ceilings are painted with bright scenes from the epics and Puranas. One pillar in the hall does not fully touch the floor and is known as the hanging pillar. Behind the temple, a huge linga sheltered by a seven-hooded serpent is carved from a boulder, and an unfinished wedding hall stands nearby. About 200 metres away is a giant Nandi carved from a single rock.
Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi timings & aarti
Usually open from about 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM, with the monument area open through the day for visitors. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening puja | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi
By air
Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, is about 90 km away.
By train
Hindupur station is about 15 km away.
By road
Lepakshi is about 12 km off the Bengaluru–Hyderabad highway (NH 44) from the state border; buses and autos run from Hindupur.
Festivals at Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- UgadiMar/Apr
- Kartika monthNov/Dec
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is recommended; footwear must be removed before entering the temple.
- Entry
- Free entry; it is an ASI-protected monument.
- Hire an authorised guide to understand the frescoes and stories carved on the pillars.
- Look up: the painted ceilings are the highlight and easy to miss.
- The rock surface gets very hot by noon; visit in the morning or late afternoon.
- Do not use flash photography near the paintings.
- Lepakshi makes an easy day trip from Bengaluru; start early to avoid traffic.
Places to visit near Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi
- Lepakshi NandiHuge monolithic Nandi facing the temple, about 200 m away
- HindupurNearest town and railway station, about 15 km away
- Penukonda FortVijayanagara-era hill fort and temples, about 35 km away
- PuttaparthiSpiritual town of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, about 65 km away
Frequently asked questions
What is the hanging pillar at Lepakshi?
It is one of the pillars of the dance hall that does not fully rest on the floor, so a thin cloth can be passed under it.
Who built the Lepakshi temple?
It was built around 1530–1540 CE by the brothers Virupanna and Viranna under the Vijayanagara king Achyuta Deva Raya.
How far is Lepakshi from Bengaluru?
Lepakshi is about 120–140 km from central Bengaluru by road, depending on the route, a drive of roughly two and a half to three hours.
Is Lepakshi a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Not yet. It is on India's tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Which deity is worshipped at Lepakshi?
Veerabhadra, a fierce form of Shiva, is the main deity of the temple.
What is the aarti time at Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi?
Morning puja: Early morning (approx.); Evening puja: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi timings?
Usually open from about 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM, with the monument area open through the day for visitors. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi?
Modest clothing is recommended; footwear must be removed before entering the temple.
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