Lepakshi Temple – Part 4: The Other Shrines and Deities

After exploring the origin of Lepakshi, the sprawling temple layout, and the majestic Veerabhadra in the previous parts of this series, we now step further into the inner layers of the temple complex, where several spiritually significant shrines reside. While Veerabhadra is the presiding deity, these additional shrines reflect the architectural depth, religious syncretism, and artistic intricacy of the Vijayanagara period. Ranganatha Shrine (Vishnu Shrine) To the east of the main Mukhamandapa of Veerabhadra’s shrine lies a compact but richly detailed shrine dedicated to Vishnu, identified as Ranganatha in a 16th-century inscription (Saka 1459 / CE 1537). This shrine is directly accessible through a doorway in the west wall of the mukhamandapa. Within the shrine stands an image of Vishnu, flanked by two consorts. The shrine follows the Nagara style of architecture , with a Dvitala Vimana. Papavinasesvara Shrine Tucked inside the same enclosure and facing west is the Papavinasesvara Sh...