Lepakshi Temple – Part 2: The Architectural Layout of Veerabhadra Temple

In my previous post, I explored the origins and spiritual significance of Lepakshi, a site layered with mythology, history, and devotion. In this article, I turn to the architectural layout of the Veerabhadra Temple, a structure that reveals its stories not just through sculptures and paintings but through the very spatial arrangement of its sacred geography.

The Veerabhadra Temple of Lepakshi does not conform to the rigid axial geometry typical of many South Indian temples. Instead, it presents an organic, multi-tiered layout, an architectural evolution shaped by time, function, and devotion. This irregularity adds to its charm, hinting at the layers of expansion and spiritual imagination it has absorbed over centuries.

Lepakshi Ganesha

Temple on a Tortoise-Shaped Hill

The temple complex sits atop a granite outcrop locally known as Kurma Saila, a hill shaped like a tortoise. The entire temple spreads across approximately 2.5 acres, making it one of the largest architectural ensembles in the region.

Outer Enclosure

The temple is encircled by two concentric enclosures. The outermost enclosure has three entryways - east, west, and north. Of these, the northern gate is the most frequently used today. Immediately after entering through this gateway, one encounters the flagstaff (dwajastambha) and bali peetha.

In the south-western corner of the outer enclosure stands a mandapa. Adjacent to the western outer gate, you’ll find the swing pavilion (oonjal mandapa), resting near the inner enclosure wall. This structure, supported by four tall pillars and crowned with a circular vimana, enshrines a Hanuman slab within.

Inner Enclosure and Main Sanctum

The inner enclosure houses the core spiritual axis of the temple. It features two entrances -the north gopuram and a southern gateway. At the heart of this space stands the sanctum sanctorum of Veerabhadra, facing north. This main shrine includes the garbhagriha, antarala, pradakshina patha (circumambulatory passage), a mukha mandapa, and an additional pillared corridor that wraps around the mukha mandapa. The natya mandapa, with its ornate columns and narrative reliefs, extends further this sacred axis.

Adjacent Shrines: Ranganatha and Papavinasesvara

To the east of the mukha mandapa lies the shrine of Vishnu, referred to as Ranganatha in inscriptions. It faces east and is entered from the west wall of the Veerabhadra shrine’s mukha mandapa.

The Papavinasesvara Shrine, dedicated to Shiva, faces west and includes a garbhagriha and antarala. Just near its entrance lies a miniature shrine with plain walls, a four-faced Nagara shikhara, and an image of Ganesha.

Simplicity and Grace: Anjaneya and Parvati Shrines

In the south-eastern part of the complex stands the Anjaneya Shrine, facing east. Its modest mandapa and flat-roofed garbhagriha contain a standing image of Hanuman with hands folded in anjali mudra.

To the south lies the Parvati Shrine, consisting only of a garbhagriha with a flat roof and a serene image of Parvati. Adjacent to this is the Sayanagara, a dimly lit chamber whose painted ceilings transport one into a different time.

Western Pradakshina and Multiple Deities

Along the western circumambulatory path that surrounds the Veerabhadra shrine are three additional shrines: Ramalinga, Bhadrakali, and Hanumalinga, all facing east. Each has its own distinct garbhagriha and sacred iconography.

In the northwest corner of the inner enclosure, three additional mandapas stand, adding complexity to the temple's spatial choreography.

Architectural Highlights

Mukha Mandapa: A grand rectangular hall resting on 70 intricately carved pillars. Among them are the famed “hanging pillars,” two of which barely touch the ground, mystifying and elegant.

Ardha Mandapa: Just before the sanctum, this space houses life-sized sculptures of deities and boasts an enormous ceiling painting of Veerabhadra, believed to be one of the largest ceiling frescoes in Asia.

Kalyana Mandapa: Though unfinished, this mandapa of thirty-eight monolithic pillars depicts celestial wedding scenes with unmatched intricacy. Its missing ceiling suggests an abrupt halt, perhaps tied to the poignant legend of Virupanna’s blinding.

Sacred Boulders and Rock Icons

Within the second prakara, three massive boulders have been carved into divine forms:

• A colossal Ganesha

• A 5.5m-tall Shiva Linga under a seven-hooded serpent

• A symbolic rock altar

These sacred monoliths not only add depth to the temple’s spiritual landscape but also celebrate the sculptural audacity of the artisans of Vijayanagara.

Closing Note

The architectural layout of Lepakshi’s Veerabhadra Temple is not merely a physical structure; it is a spatial scripture, a sacred terrain where devotion, symbolism, and artistry intersect. As I continue this series, we will explore individual elements - sculptures, frescoes, shrines, and legends, that breathe life into this magnificent monument.

Stay tuned for the next part of the series.

Happy travelling!

This is the part 2 of my series on Lepakshi Temple. You can read the previous part from the below link:

Part 1 - Leapakshi Temple