The Veerabhadra temple is an ancient Hindu shrine and pilgrimage center in the Andhra Pradesh town of Lepakshi, in the Anantapur district. Lord VeerabhadraSwamy, the fiery god created by Lord Shiva, is the presiding deity here. This temple was built in the 16th century. This temple has many features, one of which is that 72 Pillars have been used in the construction of this temple. The temple's architectural features are in the Vijayanagara style, with a variety of carvings and paintings on almost every exposed surface.
The temple was constructed in the early 1500s by two brothers, Virupanna Nayaka and Viranna, who served as Governors under the Vijayanagar Empire. This occurred during the reign of King Achutaraya of Penukonda, who was responsible for the project's funding.
The typical Vijayanagara architectural style is very evident all over the temple with its awe-inspiring sculptures and elaborate paintings on the walls and ceiling, and it is replete with idols of Nandi, Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesh, Bhadrakali, and others. The gods, goddesses, singers, and dancers sculptures are identical to those found in the more popular Hampi.
The monolithic statue of Nandi the Bull lies a little away from the temple and is reportedly one of the largest in the world which is 20 feet in height and 30 feet in length.The statue is decorated with garlands and bells, all carved out of a single block of stone.
The Mukha mantapa, Natya mantapa, and Ranga mantapa are the three main components of the primary temple: the Mukha mantapa, Natya mantapa, and Ranga mantapa; the Arda mandapa, or antarala (antechamber); and the garbhagriha, or sanctum sanctorum. As an edifice, the temple is surrounded by two enclosures. The outermost walled enclosure has three gates, with the northern one being the most commonly used. The assembly hall is entered via the internal east gate, which is a large open hall with a large room in its main part.
Veerabhadra Swamy's main temple is the most complete and beautifully built part of the structure. When you reach the Veerabhadra Swamy temple, you will be mesmerized by the intricately carved pillars in the main 'Nitya Mandapa' or 'Ranga Mandapa,' which is known as the 100-pillared dance hall,' with dancers, musicians, and various musical instruments.
One corner pillar is famous for hanging Lepakshi temple pillars that does not touch the temple floor at all. It stays in the main hall, which is said to have been the reception hall for Shiva and Parvati's wedding. The pillar is miraculous in that it is one of the 70 pillars of the Lepakshi Temple and is a salute to the temple's founders. A British Engineer, curious about the mystery of it hanging in the air, attempted unsuccessfully to lift it, which resulted in its dislodgement. People also pass clothes from underneath it to demonstrate its uniqueness.
The nearest Airport is located in Puttaparthi, which is about 80 km away from Anantapur. The Railway Station in Hindupur is about 12 km away. Lepakshi is well connected by bus service to neighboring cities and towns.