08 ഏപ്രിൽ 2012

Lepakshi

My workplace moved to a new location and the first thing to notice was the conference room names in the building. Srirangapatna, badami, talikota, lepakshi etc. Srirangapatna was a known place and badami to a extent because of the badami mangoes. Curiosity took me to the internet for more details about the names and all were historical towns situated in Deccan area related to ancient kingdoms. 

Lepakshi is quite near to Bangalore(150KM), just across the karnataka-Andra border in bangalore hyderabad highway. Lepakshi is home to a 16th century temple complex built in vijayanagara architectural style with amazing sculptures and mural painting dotting the complex. Some photos from lepakshi.
Nandi, a few 100 meters before the temple complex


This Nandi also is said to be carved on a single stone as is the case with other Nandi's in Karnataka. Construction is lavish with large area covering the temple complex with long court yards, fine figures carved out the stones and painting on ceilings of the temple.
A view of the temple complex
It is said that the temple complex was constructed with out the knowledge of the Vijayanagara King and Kingdom's treasury was used for building the temple. For what so ever reasons, temple complex is left in incomplete state.
Another view from just out side main temple
The entrance to the main temple building is decorated with number of sculptures in each and every pillar such as the one below. Also designs in stone carvings found in lepakshi are said to used in Sarees extensively. An amazing piece of art in stones.
From court yard of the main temple

കുടകിലെ ഒരു മാര്‍ച്ച് മാസപ്രഭാതം

കുടകിലെ ഒരു മാര്‍ച്ച് മാസപ്രഭാതം