Sri Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi — The Jewel of Vijayanagara Architecture (Ultimate Guide 2026)

Address: Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh 515331.

If you’re planning a spiritual getaway, a history-rich trip, or an architectural exploration in South India, Lepakshi should be at the top of your list. Home to the magnificent Sri Veerabhadra Temple, this UNESCO-recognized cultural treasure offers unmatched heritage, intricate carvings, vibrant murals, and fascinating legends. In this comprehensive blog, we cover everything you need — from history and timings to how to reach, distances, best time to visit, must-see attractions, and travel tips.

Location: Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh 515331.
Google Map:  Click Here to check the distance of the Sri Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi.

About Lepakshi and Sri Veerabhadra Temple

Lepakshi is a historic village located in the Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh, India, near the Karnataka border. It’s famed worldwide for its extraordinary Sri Veerabhadra Temple — an architectural marvel of the Vijayanagara Empire — drawing pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and tourists alike.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra, a fierce incarnation of Lord Shiva, and is considered one of the most spectacular examples of Dravidian and Vijayanagara architecture.

📜 History of the Temple

Built in the 16th century (around 1530 A.D.), Sri Veerabhadra Temple was commissioned by Virupanna Nayaka and Viranna, brothers and governors under King Achyuta Deva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple reflects the artistic prowess and spiritual zeal of its builders, showcasing sophisticated stone carvings, vibrant frescoes, and architectural ingenuity.

According to ancient texts and folklore, Lepakshi was sculpted into a major Shaiva pilgrimage site — believed to be among the Divyakshetras (holy abodes of Lord Shiva) mentioned in the Skanda Purana.

🌟 Legend Behind the Name “Lepakshi”

The name Lepakshi is believed to originate from the Telugu phrase “Le Pakshi” meaning “rise, bird”. Local folklore connects this to a scene from the Ramayana, where Lord Rama urges the injured bird Jatayu to rise again after a fierce battle with Ravana.

Temple Timings & Pooja Schedule

Darshan Timings:

• 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily)

Days	Timings
Monday	06:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Tuesday	06:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Wednesday	06:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Thursday	06:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Friday	06:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Saturday	06:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Sunday	06:00 AM – 06:00 PM

Pooja / Ritual Timings:

Name of the Seva	Timings
Suprabhata Seva	6:00 AM – 6:30 AM
Abhishekam	7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Alankara Pooja	10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Maha Mangala Aarti	7:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Entry Fee

Entry Fee: Free (no ticket required; guided tours available at extra cost)

Location & How to Reach Lepakshi

Lepakshi is well connected via road, rail, and air transport.

✈️ By Air

• Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (about 100–140 km)
• From the airport, take a private cab or bus to Hindupur and onward to Lepakshi.

🚆 By Train

• Nearest Railway Station: Hindupur Railway Station (~15 km)
• Another option: Penukonda Railway Station (~35 km)

🚗 By Road

• Well connected by buses and taxis from Bengaluru, Hindupur, Anantapur, and surrounding cities.

Distance from Major Cities

City	Distance to Lepakshi
Bengaluru (Bangalore)	~120 – 140 km
Hindupur	~15 km
Penukonda	~35 km
Anantapur	~75 km (approx)

🏆 Top Attractions within Lepakshi Temple

🔆 1. Majestic Nandi Statue

One of the largest monolithic Nandi sculpted from a single granite block stands about 200 m from the temple — a breathtaking sight for devotees and art lovers alike.

🌀 2. Hanging Pillar Marvel

A unique architectural wonder: one of the temple’s pillars doesn’t fully touch the ground — a marvel that draws curiosity and admiration.

🎨 3. Intricate Carvings & Frescoes

The temple’s ceilings and walls are adorned with vibrant frescoes and detailed sculptures depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas.

🛕 4. Multiple Shrines & Mandapas

The temple houses shrines for Papanaseswara, Raghunatha, Vishnu, and more, along with several ancient mandapas (halls) rich in sculptural art.

📿 5. Sacred Legends and Footprints

Myths say you may find footprints of Sita Mata and remnants of ancient lore woven into the temple’s stonework.

🎉 Festivals & Cultural Events

Lepakshi Utsavam:
A vibrant cultural festival celebrated every year in February–March, with performances, rituals, and cultural programs that highlight local heritage.

🗺️ Best Time to Visit Lepakshi

✔️ October to March – Cooler weather, pleasant sightseeing, and festival season make these months ideal for travel.

📸 Travel Tips & Visitor Info

✅ Dress modestly and respectfully (traditional clothing is preferred).
✅ Morning or late-afternoon visits offer the best light for photography.
✅ Guided tours help explain historical art and architecture details.
✅ Nearby attractions include Jatayu Park and local markets for souvenirs.

Gallery

🏁 Final Thoughts

Lepakshi’s Sri Veerabhadra Temple is more than a destination — it’s a living testament to Indian culture, spiritual devotion, and artistic genius. Whether you are a pilgrim, historian, traveler, or photographer, Lepakshi promises an unforgettable experience that resonates with ancient tales and majestic architecture.

🔍 Ready to explore Lepakshi? Start planning your trip now!

🧭 Lepakshi Itinerary – Complete Travel Plan

🗓️ Option 1: One-Day Lepakshi Trip (Best for Pilgrims & Short Trips)

🌅 Early Morning – Start from Bangalore

• Start time: 5:00 – 5:30 AM
• Route: Bangalore → NH-44 → Lepakshi
• Travel time: ~3 – 3.5 hours
• Distance: ~120–140 km

👉 Early start helps avoid traffic and heat.

🛕 9:00 AM – Sri Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi

Main attraction of Lepakshi

Things to see inside the temple:

• Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Darshan
• Hanging Pillar (architectural wonder)
• Intricate ceiling paintings & frescoes
• Kalyana Mandapa
• Papanaseswara Shrine
• Ramayana & Mahabharata carvings

⏱️ Time required: 1.5 – 2 hours

🐂 11:30 AM – Lepakshi Nandi Statue

• One of the largest monolithic Nandi statues in India
• Located ~200 meters from the temple
• Excellent spot for photography 📸

⏱️ Time: 30 minutes

🍽️ 1:00 PM – Lunch

• Local restaurants near Lepakshi
• Or drive towards Hindupur for better food options

🌳 2:30 PM – Jatayu Theme Park & Surroundings

• Mythological significance linked to Ramayana
• Peaceful area for a short walk and photos

⏱️ Time: 30–45 minutes

🚗 4:00 PM – Return to Bangalore

• Reach Bangalore by 8:00 – 9:00 PM

✅ Perfect for a same-day return trip