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 Shrine, featuring a simple garbhagriha and antarala. While minimal in its ornamentation, the shrine carries symbolic weight, the name suggests its association with the ‘destruction of sins’.

The vimana here is a Vesara-style Ekatala (single-tier) structure, built with balanced elegance.  Adjacent to the entrance of this shrine lies a miniature shrine housing Ganesha, complete with a four-faced Nagara sikhara above its modest garbhagriha.

Ramalinga, Bhadrakali and Hanumalinga Shrines

In the western wing of the circumambulatory path around the Veerabhadra sanctum are three sacred sub-shrines:

• Ramalinga Shrine, at the southwestern corner, enshrines a Shiva Linga placed on a panavatta (circular pedestal).

• Bhadrakali Shrine, adjacent to it, holds the fierce yet benevolent image of Bhadrakali

• Hanumalinga Shrine, situated slightly to the north, houses a linga under a four-faced Nagara Sikhara. 

Parvati Shrine and the Sayanagara

To the southern part of the temple lies the Parvati Shrine, a small east-facing sanctum sheltering a serene, standing image of Parvati beneath a flat roof. The structure is simple—plain walls and no antarala, but the spiritual grace of the icon compensates for the architectural austerity.

Just beside this shrine is the Sayanagara, a chamber shrouded in shadows, its low-lit ambiance brought to life by painted ceilings. Though small and tucked away, the space exudes an intimacy and meditative calm, making it one of the most evocative spots in the complex.

---

Each of these shrines contributes a layer to the spiritual topography of the Lepakshi temple. Whether it's the grandeur of Ranganatha, the cleansing symbolism of Papavinasesvara, or the protective presence of Bhadrakali and Hanumalinga, these sacred spaces complete the rich mosaic of devotion envisioned by the temple’s creators.

Happy travelling.

This is the part 4 of my series on Lepakshi Temple. You can read the previous part from the below link:

Part 1 - Lepakshi Temple

Part 2 - Layout of Lepakshi Temple

Part 3 - The Presiding Deity Veerabhadra