Lepakshi festival aims at protecting heritage, architectural beauty

Lepakshi(Anantapur): The Lepakshi Festival is celebrated to protect the mythological heritage and architectural beauty of the temple in Anantapur district. Even in normal times hundreds of tourists visit the temple. As one enters the grand temple, he or she would get a chance to have a glance at the beautiful Lepakshi saree designs that are carved on the pillars.

The Lepakshi temple, also known as Veerbhadra temple is famous for its excellent architecture and engineering marvel. It was once under the control of Vijayanagara Empire.

From the figurines of musicians and saints to that of Parvati and Lord Shiva, the Lepakshi temple has everything which makes it an attraction of archaeological and artistic splendour. According to Skanda Purana it is a an important pilgrimage destination of Lord Shiva. Key points of interest in the temple include footprints of Maa Sitha, a rock chain, Vastu Purush, the Padmini race lady, the hanging pillar, Monolithic Nagalinga, Durga Paadam, Lepakshi saree designs, and Eyes of Viroopaakshanna. The Naglinga here is the largest monolithic Nagalinga in India. The Lepakshi Temple owes its fame to the remarkable attractions it has. One among these is the Durga Padam which makes the place more pious.