The Veerabhadra temple complex is Lepakshi is an architectural wonder from the Vijayanagara era. This temple houses mammoth structures carved out of single granite boulder as well as pillars and other figures that are intricately carved. The Nagalilnga on the outer enclosure of the temple is one such imposing structure.
The Shiva linga here adorned with three-coiled and seven-hooded naga prabhavali. The naga prabhavali forms a sheltering canopy over the Shiva linga made of black granite. This beautiful monolithic sculpture is 15 feet tall, the biggest in India. The entire structure stands on a raised platform making you feel tiny in front of it.
Legend has it that this structure was carved out of a single granite boulder by sculptors in one hour, while their mother cooked lunch. When their mother finished cooking she saw this amazing sculpture, praised her sons/sculptors, and soon a crack appeared at the base caused by her “evil eye”. It is more dramatic to listen to this narrative from the tourist guides in this temple.
7-hooded Nagalinga
The seven-hooded Nagalinga represents the seven great Nagarajas (serpent kings) of the Naga loka: Vasuki, Takshaka, Karkotaka, Padma, Maha Padma, Sankhapala, and Kulika.
Nandi
No Shiva structure is complete without Nandi, his vaahana (mount). About 200 metres from the Veerabhadra temple and across the road, there is a big statue of Nandi (bull). This Nandi is one of the biggest in India, measuring 20 feet tall and 30 feet long. The Nandi is positioned such that it faces the monolith Nagalinga inside the Veerabhadra temple complex.