Lepakshi

Lepakshi is a small village and Mandal headquarters located in the Anantapur District, in Andhra Pradesh. It is 15 km (9.3 mi) east of Hindupur and about 120 km (75 mi) north of Bangalore. Lepakshi is historically and archaeologically significant with three shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Virabhadra belonging to Vijayanagara Kings' period. Distance from Kurudi, Karnataka to Shivaji Nagar, Bengaluru is 95.5 km and travelling takes around 2 h 31 min via SH 9.



A huge Nandi bull made out of a single granite stone is one of the attractions in Lepakshi. The place is also known for mural paintings of the Vijayanagar Kings. Many old Kannada inscriptions dating back centuries can be seen on its walls. Legend has it that the Naga of the Nagalinga was carved out of a single stone by sculptors while they waited for their mothers to prepare lunch.

Veerabhadra temple, Lepakshi

Veerabhadra temple dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra. Built by the brothers Viranna and Virupanna, the temple is a notable example of the Vijayanagar architectural style. It is renowned for its sculptures, which were created by the artisans of the Vijayanagara empire.

Monolithic Nandi sculpture at Lepakshi

The monolithic "Nandi" sculpture, which is said to be the biggest monolithic Nandi in India, is synonymous with Lepakshi. It is 4.5m high and 8.23m long. The big granite bull is on the main road, about 200 meters from the temple. It has been positioned such that it faces the shivalinga shielded by a huge serpent inside the temple. It is the second largest monolith in India, after Gomateshwara. The Nandi sports a huge kaasu malai, a bell chain, earrings and other jewelry.

Jatayu Theme Park

Jatayu Theme Park is located around 1 km from Lepakshi and hardly 10 min drive. Timings is from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Jatayu is a large vulture/Gidd mentioned in the Hindu Epic Ramayana. As per the Epic, it fell down from the skies in this village, after Ravana had cut the wings off (while abducting Sita). The park has a small hill of rocks and there is a huge statue of the bird on the highest point of the rocks. There is a well maintained garden all around the rocky hill.

One has to climb metallic steps to reach the top. There are no elevators. There are two sections at the top, the view point with a small temple like structure, and, the highest point where the actual statue of the Jatayu is installed. The entrance to the Jatayu's location is restricted and the stairs are separate and locked.

Jataayu Park at Lepakshi
Lepakshi Temple Road, Lepakshi,
Andhra Pradesh 515331

The best way to reach Lepakshi is to catch a bus from bangalore to Hindupur. From Hindupur there are number of buses to Lepakshi. You can find buses to Hindupur from Majestic 3rd Terminal. Hindupur is 100kms away from Bangalore and takes around 3hrs to reach there. Distance from Hindupuram to Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh is 12.5 km and travelling takes around 21 min via Lepakshi Road.