Lepakshi Temple, Andhra Pradesh: Astonishing Architecture of Vijayanagar Empire
03-05-2023 12:21
Lepakshi Temple, Andhra Pradesh which is also known as Veerbhadra Temple, here, people come from far and wide to see a miraculous pillar hanging from the roof, on which the entire strength of this temple rests. Before knowing about this swinging pillar, let us know about the history of Lepakshi temple!!!
Lepakshi Temple & Its Connection with Lord Ram
There are two known beliefs about the construction of the temple. It is believed that the temple was built by the sage Agastya in the Ramayana period.
According to the Ramayana, when Ravana was abducting Mother Sita and taking her to Lanka, Jatayu fought with Ravana to save Mother Sita from the clutches of Ravana. Jatayu got badly injured in this fight. When Ram came to this place, he saw Jatayu in an unconscious state and said, “Le Pakshi” which means “O Bird” or get up bird. This is how the place got its name Lepakshi.
According to another belief, the earliest evidence regarding the construction of the present-day temple is related to the Vijayanagara Empire during 1533. The inscription located in the temple informs that the temple was built by Virupanna and Viranna, the revenge officers of King Achyuta Devaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire. This temple situated on the Kooramselam hill is a fine example of the mural astonishing architecture of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The Hanging Pillar
The Natya Mandap is right in front of the main temple. It has a total of 70 pillars. There is that mysterious pillar in the north eastern corner of this Natya Mandap which is seen hanging about half an inch above the ground. But the surprising thing is that despite not standing on the ground itself, the entire temple rests on this eight feet tall pillar.
To solve the mystery of this astonishing architecture, in 1902, British engineer Hamilton came to Lepakshi temple for investigation. As soon as Hamilton tried to move the pillar by putting an iron rod under this pillar, the rest of the pillars also started moving from their place. Because of which, Hamilton had to stop his investigation immediately.