The gigantic Nandi (bull) faces west and is looking towards the mentioned Naga-linga located at Sri Veerabhadra temple. On the eastern face of a granite boulder in second enclosure,is a basaltic sivalinga canopied by a monolithic sculpture of seven hooded Naga.
Explore the Marvelous Nāga Linga at Lepakshi Temple
When you walk clockwise along the temple courtyard and turn the corner to the right, prepare to be enthralled by a truly unique sight—the Nāga Linga. This awe-inspiring monolithic Shivalingam, standing at a remarkable 20 feet in height, is a sight to behold. It is covered by the protective hoods of a majestic Nāga, creating an enchanting tableau.
Legend has it that this extraordinary Lingam was carved with astonishing speed, completed in just a few hours. The story goes that the chief sculptor and his team, taking a break from their work on the temple, found themselves waiting for lunch. The cook, who incidentally was the mother of one of the sculptors, was running behind schedule. To pass the time, the sculptors decided to work on a piece of stone, never expecting what would transpire. To their amazement, by the time the food was ready, they had crafted a beautiful Shivalingam. The sculptor’s mother was utterly spellbound upon seeing this miraculous creation and lavished praise upon her son and his team. However, this sudden burst of admiration inadvertently triggered a mystical event—the boulder behind the Nāga Linga split open at that very moment.
The Nāga Lingam has become one of the most picturesque and captivating spots within the temple premises, drawing visitors who can’t resist capturing the moment with group photos and selfies.
Beside the Nāga Lingam, you’ll discover a stunning Lord Ganesha, also intricately carved from a single stone. A serpent is gracefully wrapped around the Lord’s belly, reminiscent of the famous Sasivekalu Ganesha at Hampi, albeit in a more compact form. At Ganesha’s feet, you’ll find his beloved vehicle, a charmingly carved mouse.
Adjacent to Lord Ganesha, a captivating bas-relief depicts a warrior deep in prayer before a Shivalingam. Many believe this portrayal represents Lord Rama offering his prayers before embarking on his epic journey to Lanka for battle.
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness these remarkable sculptures and immerse yourself in the captivating tales they tell at Lepakshi Temple.
Capture the magic of this unique site and share your experiences with friends and family—it’s a moment you’ll want to cherish forever.
Lepakshi Temple
