Lepakshi is a small town famous for Virabhadra temple built in 15th century by Vijayanagara kings. It is a sprawling temple and known for the largest monolith of Nandi and also the Nagalinga. The sculptures in the temple and paintings on the ceilings add to the beauty of this lovely temple. Vidurashwatha as the name suggest is the place which is known for the “Ashwatha” (peepul) tree planted by Vidura of Mahabharata. The fascinating array of Nagas welcome you in this temple!
The Plan
8 AM – Leave home in Sahakarnagar and hit Bangalore – Hyderabad highway. You can have your breakfast in India Paratha Company or Nandi Upachar on the highway after Devanahalli cross. A lovely drive on NH 7 will take you to Lepakshi.
10:30 AM – Reach Lepakshi. Spend around an hour and a half to explore the lovely temple built during Vijayanagara period.
1.30 AM – Leave Lepakshi and drive towards Vidurashwatha.
12.15 PM – Arrive at Vidurashwatha. This is a small village known for the Ashwatha tree which is believed to have been planted by Vidura. The tree fell down in 2001. But part of the trunk is still preserved. Visit the temple and spend few minutes. It is interesting to see hundreds of Nagadevata idols installed around the tree. Don’t forget to visit a small memorial built for 35 freedom fighters who lost their lives when police opened fire on them. This incident is knows as Jallianwala Bagh of South India.
2:30 Arrive at Gati Subramanya temple .
The uniqueness of this temple is that the prime deity Lord Karthikeya, is found together with Lord Narasimha. According to mythology, both idols are believed to have emerged from the earth.
After visiting Gati headed back to Bangalore and reached around 5 pm.
