OFF TO LEPAKSHI, INDIA
Lepakshi meaning ‘Rise O Bird’ is a small town located in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. A mere 21/2 drive [120km] from Bangalore, it was once a hustling bustling town of the Vijayanagara kingdom………..
After alighting from the Hindupur Railway station, our day started with a delicious Andhra meal with a series of vegetable gravies, the famous Kandi podi, the super healthy Spinach dal, all ofcourse served on the Banana leaf. Having had a satisfactory meal and gaining the right energy, we headed towards Lepakshi . A 20min auto ride with bumps, jerks and swings, finally we reached our destination: and the efforts were worth it.
A miniature setting of the more famous Hampi, Lepakshi is known for its monolithic sculptures and the majestic Veerabhadra temple.
AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF A WELL-PROPORTIONED SPACE:
Covered peripheral pavilions fortifying the complex, intermediate rest rooms strategically placed for weary travelers and pilgrims, a series of interwoven spaces of varying scales and volumes and the central grand Gopuram , makes one realize the role of architecture and landscape planning in creating divine and magical spaces…………
The life size sculptures blossoming from the temple walls add to the liveliness of the space and reflect the glorious history, the craftsmanship and wisdom of its masters and the power of the empire.
While perambulating in the Mandappa area, the ceilings were a real astonishment. Adorned with intricate murals narrating the stories of Shiva and the Ramayana , its saddening to say they are currently in a deteriorating state.
THE FLOATING GRANITE COLUMN IS ANOTHER ATTRACTION WHICH SETS AN EXAMPLE OF HIGHLY ADVANCED AND FINEST FORMS OF MASTERPIECES.
The day concluded with beautiful handloom saree shopping from the weaving streets, at very reasonable prices. My advice for choosing the right time to visit would be to avoid the summers as you don’t want to bake your feet on the hot granite, walking barefoot………………………Bon Voyage
