The Hanging Pillar at the Mallikarjuna Temple in Lepakshi, India,Hindu temple

 The Hanging Pillar at the Mallikarjuna Temple in Lepakshi, India






The Hanging Pillar at the Mallikarjuna Temple in Lepakshi, India is a famous architectural feature known for its mysterious levitation. The temple is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh and is believed to have been built during the 16th century by the brothers Virupanna and Viranna, who were commanders in the army of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The structure of the Hanging Pillar is a single stone column that appears to be suspended in mid-air without any visible means of support. The pillar is approximately 6 feet tall and has a square base that measures about 1.5 feet on each side. The pillar is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures, including images of gods and goddesses, and is a popular tourist attraction.

There are about 70 pillars at this fabulous 16th-century temple of stone in Vijayanagar style, but this one is the best known and a tribute to the engineering genius of ancient and medieval India's temple builders.

The exact method by which the Hanging Pillar is suspended remains a mystery, and several theories have been proposed to explain the phenomenon. Some experts believe that the pillar may be supported by hidden brackets or beams, while others believe that it may be a trick of perspective or an optical illusion.

The temple complex also features several other architectural marvels like the Kalyana Mandapam, the Natya Mandapam and the Ranga Mandapam,all of which are worth visiting. The temple is an important religious and cultural site and is visited by thousands of tourists and devotees every year.

Lepakshi is located in the District of Anantapur, about 13 km from Hindupur. The village is famous for its three shrines, which are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Veerabhadra. The Veerabhadra Temple was constructed by two brothers, Viranna and Virupanna.

The murals on the ceiling of the main mandapa of the Veerbhadra temple at Lepakshi. The Veerabhadra temple at Lepakshi is known for its architecture and mural paintings, but very little authentic information is available on it.

Lepakshi paintings are mural paintings which are located in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. It was executed on the Veerabhadra temple walls at Lepakshi in the 16th Century. It was made during the Vijayanagara period, and they follow a religious theme, based on Ramayana, Mahabharata, and incarnations of Vishnu.

There are most of the Lepakshi depicted as follows

It is at the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum and has a profusion of sculptures and paintings over every inch of space on the columns and ceiling. The images on the pillars and walls are of divine beings, saints, guardians, musicians, dancers, and 14 avatars of Shiva.


The temple is located in the village of Lepakshi in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh and is easily accessible by road and rail. The nearest airport is located in the city of Bengaluru, which is about 150 km away. The temple is open to visitors on all days of the week, and there is no entry fee.

In conclusion, The Hanging Pillar of Mallikarjuna temple at Lepakshi is a unique and mysterious architectural feature that has puzzled experts for centuries. The temple complex is a historically and culturally significant site and offers a glimpse into the rich architectural heritage of India. It is a must-visit place for anyone interested in history, culture, and architecture.


The Mallikarjuna Temple at Lepakshi, India, is believed to have been built during the 16th century by the brothers Virupanna and Viranna, who were commanders in the army of the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an important religious and cultural site.

To reach the Lepakshi temple, one can take the following routes:

By Air: The nearest airport is located in the city of Bengaluru, which is about 150 km away from Lepakshi. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.

By Train: The nearest railway station is in Hindupur, which is around 15km away from Lepakshi, buses and taxis are easily available from the station.

By Road: Lepakshi is well connected by road and is easily accessible by bus or car from major cities in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The temple is located on National Highway-7, which connects it to Bangalore and Hyderabad.

One can also take a direct bus from Bangalore or Hyderabad to reach Lepakshi, which is around 150km and 300km away respectively.



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