Lepakshi - Part Two

The lonely temple of Lepakshi has many stories to be told. There are extremely wonderful story telling carvings , extraordinary paintings and unanswered mysteries. I will explain my learning in following three stages:

1. The extraordinary architecture of the temple and amazing carvings
2. Fresco paintings
3. Unresolved mysteries

1. Architecture of the temple:

The temple is built on a huge rocky mountain called 'Kurmagiri' - meaning a tortoise shaped hill. The place was chosen by Veeranna and Virupanna brothers because of the Mythological story behind the temple. It was/is believed that Ravana killed Jatayu on this rocky hill.  And there is a mark of a giant foot-step on the rock which is believed to be of Sita. However, will explain about this in detail under 'Unresolved Mysteries'.

The temple is built with Vijayanagara Architectural Style and has 4 entrances laid out on three parts. 

1. Natya Mantapa
2. Ranga Mantapa
3. Garbha Griha

Natya Mantapa has pillars around it which has carving of a classical dancer and her accompanying artists. 

The Dancer at Natya Mantapa

Accompaniment for Dancer - Taala

Accompaniment for Dancer - Tamboora

Audience for dancer

Every Pillar has carvings which has a story behind it. It is difficult to explain all of them and I honestly don't remember many. :-)

However, here is one that catches your thoughts for sure. Lord Shiva decided to test Parvati and comes infront of her like a beggar and pleads for food. Parvati gives him rice enough for him and Shiva tries to spill the extra rice down on earth. Parvati's concentration is completely on giving enough food for the beggar and also to make sure that he doesn't spills it down. 

Meanwhile, Shiva, to divert Parvati's attention, with his magical powers, pulls down her saree with his eye-sight, and yet, Parvati decides to ignore that and concentrate on food not falling down. Impressed shiva, names her 'Anna poorneshwari'.

Really ?! ;-)

So what should we take this as? Why would Shiva want to test Parvati? What is he trying to test? Her priorities? It's true that food is very precious, but at the cost of what? Was Shiva trying to test Parvati's capabilities of promoting her to Annapoorneshwari?! 

With all due respects, the story certainly shakes you a bit. 

Lepakshi - 03-06-2018 - Part 01

'Lepakshi' is a tiny village renowned for two things.

1. The historical Vijayanagara Architecture : Veerabhadra temple and Largest Monolithic Nandi statue

2. Art and craft of Lepakshi which is popular all over the world

Situated in Ananthpur District, Lepakshi is 120km spectacular drive from Bangalore.

Detail Route from Bangalore: Hebbal- Yelahanka- Devanahalli- Chikballapur- Bagepalli- AP border toll booth- (16KMs left turn) to Lepakshi.

After airport, it's around 90 kms and on the highway you have many good restaurants for dealing with hunger. 'Nandagokula' is where we had our breakfast and it was great.

History books say that the city was founded in early 16th century (1520-1540). The then King of Penukonda, Achyutaraya had Virupanna Nayaka and Veeranna Nayaka brothers who were the Governers/Finance ministers of his kingdom. It is said that these brothers took approval from the king and built Veerabhadra temple, Monolithic Nandi at Lepakshi as it was a place of mythological importance.

A story says that when Ravana kidnapped Seetha, on his way to Srilanka, the giant bird 'Jatayu' stopped his way and tried to rescue Seetha. It was a mini-war between Ravana and Jatayu, at the end of which Ravana chopped off Jatayu's wings. When Rama came in search of Seetha and met Jatayu, he said 'LE PAKSHI' in Telugu, which means 'rise bird'. that's how the name 'Lepakshi' was coined.

So when you enter the city, from a farther distance itself, on top of a rocky hill, a huge Jatayu statue welcomes you with his wings open.

When you plan your visit, make sure it's b/n June to December'. Jan to april is usually hot and since the temple is rocky, it'll make your feet tandoori kabab :-)

The city is tiny (not more than 500 mts in radius). Except the Large Jatayu statue, Monolithic Nandi and Veerabhadra Temple, there is nothing else to see. So you can easily complete it in about half a day. There are only two ATMs available. So carry enough cash.

Street food like bhelpuri, boiled groundnuts, lime soda and ice-creams are plentifully available.

Hotel Haritha managed by APTDC is the only hotel where you can expect decent food inside the city.

Why I travel?!

The best part of my profession and the freedom I've got being an entrepreneur is: 'Travel' . For all those who keep asking me 'how do you manage so much travel'? or 'Don't you think you need to avoid it a bit'?! I say : Try the real travel first.

Traveling is great because it expands your perspective. I've realized till now that there’s no one way to live life. Meeting people from other places will show you that your world view isn’t the same as everyone else’s.

You can’t imagine how different life is in another place until you see for yourself. Everything from work to family to beliefs to interests is not what you might expect from your own experience. The different setting will also help you discover and consider fresh ideas you hadn’t thought of before. You’ll come home with different notions and possibilities.

By being exposed to new places, people and cultures, you’ll develop a wider world view. And that will make you a better-rounded global citizen. It’s a great reward and big reason why I love to travel.

A demanding job. A bad breakup. The loss of a loved one. Just like the heroine in Eat, Pray, Love, travel can be a great relief from the stress and unhappiness that come along with those.

Trust me and try.. I bet you'll love..