Lepakshi Nandi, Andhra Pradesh: Monolithic Bull
The biggest monolithic statue of Nandi is located in Lepakshi, 120 km from Bangalore. Lepakshi is a village in the Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh. Nandi is bull calf, vehicle of Bhagwan Shiva.
Sri Veerabhadra Temple and Monolithic Bull (Nandi) are in the tentative list of UNESCO sites. It was submitted by Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO in Feb 2022.
Statue of Nandi (the bull), in a sitting posture, is usually found at the entrance to the Lepakshi Veerabhadra Temple of God Shiva. It is believed that the region centering the Veerabhadraswamy Temple and its circumference that includes the Nandi belonged to one whole temple complex. Lepakshi Nandi faces the 18 ft. Naga Linga in Veerabhadra Temple Complex.
Over the years the land has been encroached on and acquired as private properties. Villages have sprung up in this region around Veerbhadra Swamy Temple.
Notice the absence of Nandi in Veerabhadraswamy Temple.
Lepakshi Nandi is one is one of the few colossal forms of Nandi. It is cut from a single granite stone measuring 20 feet in height and 30 feet in length. This monolithic Nandi statue is said to be the second largest monolithic structure in India after Gomateshwara in Shravanabelagola.
The features of this monolithic bull have been sculpted with lot of care and the details, though worn out a bit, look good. The Nandi statue is decorated with a necklace, muvvalahara, a bell chain with small horns.
Lepakshi Nandi was built in the mid-16th century by Viranna and Virupanna, Vijayanagara governors of Penukonda, now in Andhra Pradesh, India.
Do you know why devotees whisper their desires in ear of Nandi??
When Bhagwan Shiva sits in penance, Nandi is stationed outside his tapa sthal (place of meditation) in Chaitanya state. So the devotees speak in the ear of Nandi as no one can disturb the penance. When Shiva comes out of penance, Nandi tells him all the things of the devotees desire.
Here, since Nandi’s ears are unreachable, I saw some of the devotees whispering in the neck region. (See picture) That part of the statue has got slightly discolored.
Lepakshi Andhra Pradesh
Significance of Nandi – Nandi is a symbol of eternal waiting. He is in waiting, but he is not waiting for God Shiva to come and say something. He is in waiting because waiting is considered the greatest virtue in Indian culture.
Where to place Nandi bull at home?
Place Nandi bull in the south-west zone of your office or home. It represents prosperity, brings in good luck, success, Wealth, Love, Fortune, Wisdom, Divine Knowledge and Royal Power.
Around Lepakshi Nandi
A little away from the Nandi in Lepakshi we discovered a small muddy pool. The pool lacked maintenance. All sorts of rubbish were strewn around it. It seemed to be crying for attention and care. I wish the Andhra Pradesh tourism did its part for the little pool.
Uncared muddy pool Lepakshi
The only pleasant sight was the pink water lilies blooming in that pool. The water lilies seemed to win the struggle of growing through clogged muddy water and reaching the sunshine and pure air above.
Unstained and undeterred, they seemed determined to spread their fragrance and beauty all around. Isn’t that a message for us?
Where is Lepakshi Nandi located?
Nandi is visible from a distance. It is located 500 m from Lepakshi Bus Stand and 500 m from Sri Veerabhadra Temple.
Address: Lepakshi mandal Hindupur taluk, Dst. Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh 515331
Distance from Bangalore International Airport – 98.3 km via NH-44, time taken – 1 hour 27 min. Very good road. You can hire a private taxi or take state transport buses. APSRTC buses leave for Lepakshi every 30 minutes from Hindupur.
Best Time to Visit Lepakshi
Visit during the months July to February. Summers can be unbearably hot as there are no trees around.
Ideal weekend/day trip destination from Bangalore
If you are undecided about tripping to Lepakshi, I will say go for it. There are many eateries along the way and road condition is good too.
Tickets and Timings
Nandi in Lepakshi is a free sight. However it is in a gated enclosure. Open timings to get closer to Nandi is from 7 AM to 6 PM.
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Beautiful photos
The second one is so beautifully composed!
Wow, I would love to see this. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Very nice photos.
Regards and best wishes
Oh my… It's made of single stone! It's so fascinating and I love the color of the sky.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Yoshi
What a great stature and the blue sky is the perfect backdrop for it.
Wow! Awesome sculpture
Hugs
SueAnn
interesting how a statue like this can have so much history.
from afar, it almost looks like the Sphinx.
the details are very nice too.
happy weekend Indrani. ^0^
It is an amazing statue, thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend and Happy skywatching!
Utterly charming!
What a beautiful sculpture !
love the details, and it has such a sympathic face !
Oh, this is quite close Bangalore! Added to my list 🙂
Beautiful sky view!
My Skywatch. Have a nice weekend!
This is a very impressive sculpture. The detail remaining after all these years is amazing. The sky in your second photo is beautiful as well.
The blue skies behind the sculpture make for beautiful shots. This looks to really be a huge one. Amazing. genie
It's wonderful.
These place is pretty!
SWF
great post for skywatch… Have a great weekend ahead!!! Hoping you can visit @ my little corner.
that is an imposing sculpture.
have a lovely weekend.
It still looks magnificent even after all these years. Thank you Indrani, fantastic photos.
Oh, such beautiful blue skies and the perfect backdrop for the statue of Nandi!! Wonderful captures for the day as always, Indrani! Happy SWF! Enjoy!
Sylvia
Fantastisch liebe Indrani!
Vielen Dank und liebe Grüsse aus der Schweiz
Hans-Peter
Beautiful..! I've been to this place..!