Lepakshi Temple, "Veerabhadra Swamy"

The Lepakshi temple, also known as Veerbhadra temple is one among the spectacles of Indian history which have hidden treasures in its chest. The small village where the temple finds itself is in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh. It is a paragon of excellent architecture and art. Once the quintessence of Vijayanagara Empire, Lepakshi is culturally and archaeologically significant as it acts as the prime location of the shrine dedicated to Veerabhadra. The Lepakshi Temple is an exhibition of timeless art, with famous frescoes and murals.

The Lepakshi Temple is home to the miraculous hanging pillars and a cave chamber where Sage Agasthya is said to have lived. Another thing which makes the temple unique and a place to must visit is a footprint that is believed to be of Maa Sita. As soon as you step inside the temple, you get the glimpses of the history of Vijayanagara kingdom by way of pictorial representations. From the figures of musicians and saints to that of Parvati and Lord Shiva, the Lepakshi Temple has everything which makes it an attraction of archaeological and artistic splendour. Apart from the architectural importance, the temple according to Skanda Purana is a divyakshetra, in other words, an important pilgrimage destination of Lord Shiva.
Legend and History of Lepakshi Temple
The origination of name Lepakshi has two myths associated with it. According to the first legend, Lepakshi found its roots in the legendary Ramayana when Ravana had kidnapped Sita. As he was taking her away, the bird Jataya tried saving her from his hand. Defeated by Ravana, he fell on the floor. As he was counting his last breathe Lord Rama helped him attain Moksha by saying 'Le Pakshi' which in Telugu means 'Rise Bird.' Hence the name Lepakshi originated.

According to another legend, there were two brothers in the Vijayanagar Kingdom - Virupanna and Veerupanna. Virupanna's son was blind, and it is said that he gained sightedness while he was playing around the Shivalinga in the temple. Veerupanna was one of the financiers of Vijayanagar. Blamed by others for using the royal treasury; some say for the completion of the temple while some say for curing his son, the king gave orders for taking off his eyes. Disturbed by the false accusation, he forestalled the punishment and threw his eyes onto the walls of the temple. Hence, the place got its name Lape-Akshi meaning the village of the blinded. Now the eerie part is that the temple wall still has the blood marks of the eyes.