Lepakshi (2020)

Lepakshi is a non-descript village in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, some hundred kilometers from Bangalore. It sports an ancient temple of stone, as do many in the Deccan, known for its artistic sensibilities. The temple itself is modest, compared to Hampi although both were built during the reign of Krishna Deva Raya, that doyen of fine arts who ruled this region. Built by Virupanna, a governor of Raya, Lepakshi’s rather unremarkable external facade hidden in the midst of a rocky outcrop hides spectacular architecture, sculpture and most dazzlingly, exquisite paintings which retain their beauty and sheen even after four hundred years. Admire them as I lead you through some of these lovely images of a glorious bygone era.