Lepakshi

Lepakshi is about 18 kms away from Hindupur, Ananthpur district. We took APSRTC Express bus from Majestic at arnd 7 am on 24Jan, Saturday. Ticket costed only Rs.58/- per head. I remember that bus goes to Rayadurgam. The journey was pleasant with nice landscapes arnd. In the middle of journey, we had a break to have breakfast.

We reached Hindupur at arnd 10 am. Old Bus Stand. From there we took a private bus. After a roller coaster ride of 30 mins, we reached Lepakshi. (Ticket Rs.6/- per head) We first went to view the Mahanandi. My first impression was.. Is it really Lepakshi Nandi..? No tourists arnd, some Muslim women were passing time in the garden. I was expecting lot of rush. Lepakshi was a simple village. Lepakshi garden stands beside AP TOurism Building which is alredy in ruins.

Lepakshi Mahanandi is a magnificient piece of art made from a single stone (monolithic). Its considered to be the biggest Nandi statue in India. Brahadeshwara temple Tanjavur, Chamundi HIlls Mysore, Bull temple Bangalore come next to the Lepakshi Nandi in terms of size. Here beside the description we can find the notice board which says that Photography and Filming video are allowed by relaxation of rules. U can find the same notice at Veerabhadra Temple.

The Veerabadhra Temple is abt less than 1 km away from Nandi statue. We got coconuts in the front of temple for archana(20/-). There itself we left our footwear and entered the Prangana. There is a nice garden in front of temple. Many monkeys were roaming freely doing KothiChestalu, nice sight!



The temple is made from hill which is previously called 'Tabelu Konda'. As I remember the temple has Three Prakaras or the levels. On the outer level, we can find Mantapas built to accommodate pilgrims at that time. Its a nice experience walking arnd the main Temple. A visual feast!