LEPAKSHI-VIDHURASWATHHA- GHATI SUBRAMANYA-2022

One Day Outing to LEPAKSHI- VIDHURASWATHHA - GHATI SUBRAMANYA-2022

(09th July 2022)

After a long gap went out for a small trip with family towards Lepakshi- Left Bangalore towards Yelahanka - Devanahalli route - had a breakfast at Nandi Upachar on the highway after Devanahalli, A lovely drive on NH 7 reached Lepakshi by 10 am, entering Lepakshi saw the largest monolith statue of Nandi, thought after coming from Lepakshi will have a look into ......... parked our vehicle and march towards Lepakshi- 

more about Lepakshi-

Veerabhadra Temple is situated in Lepakshi, in the Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh. The presiding deity worshipped here is Lord Veerabhadra Swamy, the fiery god created by Lord Shiva. It is famous for its sculptures and archaeological magnificence shaped by the artists of Vijayanagara Empire. -Veerabhadra temple built in 15th century by Vijayanagara Empire

As per historians, Lepakshi was a famous center of trade and pilgrimage during the period of Vijayanagara Kings. The temple complex was built in the 16th century, by two brothers Virupanna and Veeranna during the reign of  Vijayanagara King Achyuta Devaraya.

The Lepakshi Temple is a fine spectacle of timeless art, with murals and frescoes. It is also known as Veerabhadra Temple that boasts the amazing hanging pillars and a cave that was home to Sage Agasthya. Amongst 70 stone pillar, there is one that hangs from the ceiling. Its base hardly touches the ground which allows thin objects to pass from one side to another. Another stunning feature of this site is the foot prints that are believed to be of Goddess Sita. Glimpses of Vijayanagara Empire are well displayed in pictorial form, archaeological and artistic marvels are well represented in the figures of musicians and saints to that of Parvati and Lord Shiva. Other deities worshiped here include Lord Vishnu, Papavinaseswara, Parvati, Bhadrakali, Hanumalinga, Ramalinga, and Sayanagara.

The main temple is structured in three parts namely the Natya Mandapa (Dance Hall), Ardha Mandapa (Antechamber), and Garbha Griha (Sanctum sanctorum).

The temple can be divided into three sections 'MukhaMandapa', 'ArthaMandapa' and 'GarbhaGriha', and the 'KalyanaMandapa'. A ten day long festival is celebrated here which is attended by Shiva devotees

Lepakshi temple has two high-walled enclosures. The outer enclosure has three entrances, of which the northern entrance is the main entrance with a gopura, and also having a mandapa on each side of the passage in the front and rear side of the gopura.The inner enclosure has its main entrance from the north, which has an intricately decorated gopura built in two sections. The Dwajasthambha (flag post) and the Balipitha can be seen near this gopura.

Natya Mandapa:

Natya Mandapa also called as Ranga Mandapa, which is renowned as the 100-pillared dance hall, is the most remarkable part of Lepakshi Temple. It has intricately carved pillars, sculptures, and paintings that depict the unbelievable talents of the architects of the Vijayanagara era.

Lepakshi Temple Cravings

The pillars of the central part of the mandapa will mesmerize you with life-like sculptures of gods and goddesses playing musical instruments and dancing. You can see Shiva performing Nataraja Tandava, Brahma playing the drum, Narada on Tamburu, nymphs in dancing postures and many heavenly artists playing drums and cymbals and creating a dream world of divine melodies. The ceiling of the hall is covered with beautiful mural paintings depicting the scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharata and other scriptures

Unfinished Kalyana Mandapa:

Kalyana Mandapa or Marriage Hall is an open structure behind the main temple in the inner enclosure, which has 38 pillars with intricate carvings of several sages, gods, Dhanwanthari, and the 8 Digpalakas. It is believed that Shiva and Parvati got married at this mandapa. Wonderful carvings depicting the marriage of Shiva and Parvati can be seen on the pillars.

Nagalinga and Shivalinga:

Behind the main temple, on the south-east corner of the inner enclosure is a mandapa, near which, on a granite base, there is a magnificent rock-cut sculpture of a huge serpent with three coils and seven hoods, which is regarded as the largest Nagalinga in the country. The seven hoods form like a canopy and protect a granite Shivalinga positioned in the center of the top coil. Legend says that this sculpture was cut out by the artisans within an unbelievably short duration while waiting for their meals getting prepared during the lunch break.

Behind the Nagalinga, there is a huge rock with carvings and a monolithic rock-cut sculpture of Lord Ganesha next to it.

Lata Mandapa:

Near the Kalyana Mandapa, there is another mandapa called Lata Mandapa or the Hall of Creepers. The pillars of this mandapa are carved with some beautiful designs and intricate motifs of flowers and birds, which are still used as the famous Sari border designs of Lepakshi. Hundreds of such designs can be seen on several pillars

It is a sprawling temple and known for the largest monolith of Nandi and also the Nagalinga. The sculptures in the temple and paintings on the ceilings add to the beauty of this lovely temple.

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Vidurashwatha is a popular place of religious and historical significance, located at about 30 km from Lepakshi. It is believed that Vidura, one of the most respected characters in Mahabharata, planted an Ashwatha tree (fig tree) in this village and the name Vidurashwatha is derived from it. Ruins of this ancient tree can be seen here. Devotees who worship serpent gods come here seeking the blessings of the Lord for a specific boon, like marriage or offspring. After fulfilling the boon, the devotees visit here again and place Nagaprathishta (serpent stones) as vowed by them. You can see thousands of serpent stones placed here by the blessed devotees.

Vidurashwatha is also a place of great historical significance. It is known as the “Jallianwala Bagh of the South”. A tragic incident, similar to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, happened here during the freedom struggle in 1938, killing 35 villagers in a police firing. There is a memorial bearing the names of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in that incident.

Vidurashwatha as the name suggest is the place which is known for the “Ashwatha” (peepul) tree planted by Vidura of Mahabharata. The fascinating array of Nagas welcome you in this temple!

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Ghati Subramanya

Ghati Subramanya is an ancient Hindu temple, situated on the outskirts of Bangalore near Tubagere, Doddaballapura Taluk. It is 60 km from the Bangalore city and is a popular pilgrimage centre. The uniqueness of this temple is that the prime deity Lord Karthikeya, is found together with Lord Narasimha. According to mythology, both idols are believed to have emerged from the earth. It is also an important centre in South India for snake worship. Special rituals are performed during Brahmarathotsava, i.e., on the day of Pushya shudda Shashti. Narasimha Jayanti is the other major festival celebrated here.Ghati Subramanya has a recorded history of more than 600 years. It was first developed by the Ghorpade rulers of Sandur who ruled parts of  of Bellary.

Tradition- It is the belief of devotees that childless couples making vows shall be blessed with children by the lord. A related ritual is that of installing idols of snakes . One can see thousands of such idols near the temple.

After having Lunch at Temple (Anna Dasoha) rain started and moved towards Bangalore

TOTAL PLAN AND DISTANCE DETAILS

The Circuit – Bangalore – Lepakshi – Vidurashwatha – Ghati Subramanya Bangalore

Bangalore to Lepakshi- 122 Kms (2 Hrs)

Lepakshi to Vidurashwatha via Hindupur - Kanchisamudram Rd-45 min around 25 km -45 Min

Vidurashwatha to Ghati Subrmanya- 35 Kms -45 mts drive via SH 9

Ghati Subramanya  to Bangalore -54 Kms

Total Distance – around 300 kms Bangalore to Bangalore 

Travel Tips

Drive safe on the highway. This highway is so good, it tempts you to overspeed. Don’t do that.

Carry a good hat. Both places get hotter during the summer. and Carry Umbrella and Raincoats (Decathlon) in Monsoon and Winter

Camera is Must. Lepakshi is a photographers delight and u can take good pics in various angles.

These three places located  are small villages. You may not get good restaurants to eat in Highway now more good restaurants opened u can have a good food over there