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Lepakshi Veerabhadra
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Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh -
February 2, 2026
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February 2, 2026 
Important Days and Dates
The temple is most vibrant during festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva and local traditions
- Maha Shivaratri: The most significant festival, celebrated with grand Brahmotsavams, special rituals, and thousands of devotees.
- Annual Rathotsavam (Chariot Festival): Usually held in February or March, featuring a grand procession of the temple deities.
- Lepakshi Utsavalu: A government-organized cultural festival (often in March) that celebrates the region’s art, music, and heritage.
- Karthika Deepam: Celebrated by lighting thousands of oil lamps throughout the temple complex.
- Ugadi: The Telugu New Year, marked with special panchanga readings and prayers.
How to Reach
Lepakshi is located in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, approximately 120–140 km from Bengaluru.
From Delhi to Lepakshi
- By Air: Fly from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Bengaluru (BLR). From the airport, you can hire a taxi directly to Lepakshi (approx. 1.5–2 hours).
- By Train: Take the Karnataka Express (12628) or other South-bound trains from New Delhi to Hindupur Railway Station. From Hindupur, Lepakshi is about 15 km away and accessible via local buses or auto-rickshaws.
From Ahmedabad to Lepakshi
- By Air: Fly from Ahmedabad (AMD) to Bengaluru (BLR), then proceed by taxi or bus to Lepakshi.
- By Train: Take a train to Bengaluru or Hindupur (often requiring a transfer at stations like Guntakal or Secunderabad).
- By Road: A long-distance drive via NH48 and NH44, though flying to Bengaluru is the most efficient option.
About History of the Temple
The temple’s origins are a blend of Puranic legend and historical fact.
Mythology: It is believed that the bird Jatayu fell here after being wounded by Ravana. When Lord Rama found him, he said, “Le Pakshi” (Rise, Bird), giving the town its name.
Construction: Historically, the temple was built in 1530 AD by two brothers, Virupanna and Veeranna, who were governors under the Vijayanagar King Achyutaraya.
The Legend of the Blinded Eye: Legend says Virupanna used treasury funds without permission. When the King ordered him to be blinded, Virupanna carried out the punishment himself, throwing his eyes against the temple wall. Two reddish spots on the wall are still pointed out by locals as his bloodstains.
Main Poojas Performed
The temple follows traditional Shaivite rituals, with the first prayers always offered to the Shivalinga before Lord Veerabhadra.
| Priority | Pooja Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abhishekam | The primary ritual involving the ceremonial bathing of the deity (Lord Veerabhadra and the Shivalinga) with milk, honey, and water. |
| 2 | Archana | Chanting of the 108 names of the Lord while offering flowers. |
| 3 | Maha Mangala Arathi | The main lamp ceremony performed multiple times a day (morning, noon, and evening) to signify the removal of darkness. |
| 4 | Special Homas | Fire rituals like Maha Ganapathi Sudarsana Homam are performed during festival days for prosperity and protection. |
Attire (Dressing Guidelines)
The temple maintains a traditional environment and expects visitors to dress modestly.
Men:Traditional dhoti or formal trousers and shirts are recommended. Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless tops.
Women:Sarees, half-sarees, or long ethnic suits (Salwar Kameez) with a dupatta are preferred.
Restrictions:Short skirts, tight-fitting clothes, and leather items (belts, wallets) are generally discouraged or restricted inside the inner sanctum.
Official Websites
- Government Website:
Andhra Pradesh Tourism – Lepakshi
- District Administration:
Sri Sathyasai District Official Portal
Description
Important Days and Dates
The temple is most vibrant during festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva and local traditions
- Maha Shivaratri: The most significant festival, celebrated with grand Brahmotsavams, special rituals, and thousands of devotees.
- Annual Rathotsavam (Chariot Festival): Usually held in February or March, featuring a grand procession of the temple deities.
- Lepakshi Utsavalu: A government-organized cultural festival (often in March) that celebrates the region’s art, music, and heritage.
- Karthika Deepam: Celebrated by lighting thousands of oil lamps throughout the temple complex.
- Ugadi: The Telugu New Year, marked with special panchanga readings and prayers.
How to Reach
Lepakshi is located in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, approximately 120–140 km from Bengaluru.
From Delhi to Lepakshi
- By Air: Fly from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Bengaluru (BLR). From the airport, you can hire a taxi directly to Lepakshi (approx. 1.5–2 hours).
- By Train: Take the Karnataka Express (12628) or other South-bound trains from New Delhi to Hindupur Railway Station. From Hindupur, Lepakshi is about 15 km away and accessible via local buses or auto-rickshaws.
From Ahmedabad to Lepakshi
- By Air: Fly from Ahmedabad (AMD) to Bengaluru (BLR), then proceed by taxi or bus to Lepakshi.
- By Train: Take a train to Bengaluru or Hindupur (often requiring a transfer at stations like Guntakal or Secunderabad).
- By Road: A long-distance drive via NH48 and NH44, though flying to Bengaluru is the most efficient option.
About History of the Temple
The temple’s origins are a blend of Puranic legend and historical fact.
Mythology: It is believed that the bird Jatayu fell here after being wounded by Ravana. When Lord Rama found him, he said, “Le Pakshi” (Rise, Bird), giving the town its name.
Construction: Historically, the temple was built in 1530 AD by two brothers, Virupanna and Veeranna, who were governors under the Vijayanagar King Achyutaraya.
The Legend of the Blinded Eye: Legend says Virupanna used treasury funds without permission. When the King ordered him to be blinded, Virupanna carried out the punishment himself, throwing his eyes against the temple wall. Two reddish spots on the wall are still pointed out by locals as his bloodstains.
Main Poojas Performed
The temple follows traditional Shaivite rituals, with the first prayers always offered to the Shivalinga before Lord Veerabhadra.
| Priority | Pooja Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abhishekam | The primary ritual involving the ceremonial bathing of the deity (Lord Veerabhadra and the Shivalinga) with milk, honey, and water. |
| 2 | Archana | Chanting of the 108 names of the Lord while offering flowers. |
| 3 | Maha Mangala Arathi | The main lamp ceremony performed multiple times a day (morning, noon, and evening) to signify the removal of darkness. |
| 4 | Special Homas | Fire rituals like Maha Ganapathi Sudarsana Homam are performed during festival days for prosperity and protection. |
Attire (Dressing Guidelines)
The temple maintains a traditional environment and expects visitors to dress modestly.
Men:Traditional dhoti or formal trousers and shirts are recommended. Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless tops.
Women:Sarees, half-sarees, or long ethnic suits (Salwar Kameez) with a dupatta are preferred.
Restrictions:Short skirts, tight-fitting clothes, and leather items (belts, wallets) are generally discouraged or restricted inside the inner sanctum.
Official Websites
- Government Website:
Andhra Pradesh Tourism – Lepakshi
- District Administration:
Sri Sathyasai District Official Portal