Lepakshi Temple – Part 3: Iconography and Sanctum of Veerabhadra

After exploring the origins of Lepakshi and understanding the architectural layout of the Veerabhadra Temple in the first two parts of this series, I now turn my attention to the temple’s spiritual and visual centre, the awe-inspiring sanctum of the presiding deity Veerabhadra and his iconography. Veerabhadra of Lepakshi – The Fiery Protector in Stone and Spirit At the heart of the Lepakshi temple complex, within the inner enclosure, stands the sanctum sanctorum that houses Veerabhadra , a fearsome and awe-inspiring form of Shiva. The layout of the shrine itself commands attention;a north-facing garbhagriha , preceded by an antarala , a mukha mandapa , and further flanked by a pillared corridor and the vibrant natyamandapa . This is no ordinary shrine, and Veerabhadra is no ordinary deity. He is said to have emerged from the wrath of Shiva during the destruction of the Daksha Yagna, a fierce manifestation born of sorrow and rage after the self-immolation of Sati. What one encounters a...