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India.com
2 days ago
- India.com
8 Magical Weekend Trips Near Lepakshi That Feel Straight Out Of A Movie
Lepakshi, a place located in the beautiful district of Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh is so great when it comes to history and architecture. The Veerabhadra temple and gigantic nandi statue are some of its popular features that makes it an exceptional place for culture enthusiasts. But if you would like to learn more about this place during your visit then there are some amazing attractions nearby which could be used as interesting weekend getaways. Below are some top options. Hills A calm hill station lying 123 kilometers away from Lepakshi, Horsley Hills is referred to as the 'Ooty of Andhra Pradesh'. This beautiful retreat offers an escape from the noise of city life. It has a pleasant climate, lush greenery and panoramic views that make nature lovers as well as adventure seekers fall in love with it. It is known for activities like trekking, zorbing and rappelling among others. The hills have several must-visit places such as the Horsley Hills Environmental Centre and Gali Bandalu (Windy Rocks) that provide awe-inspiring sights. Hills At about 55 kilometers from Lepakshi Nandi Hills is one of the most famous weekend destinations for Bangaloreans and travelers alike. This hill fortress standing tall at 1,478 meters above sea level offers a fantastic view during sunrise which attracts photographers and nature lovers here. Nandi Hills apart from natural scenery contains within itself sites such as Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace and ancient Nandi Temple that provide lots more historical information on it. There are many trekking and cycling routes in these hills for the adventurous souls also you will get cool breeze along with ample greenery around perfect to relax. Puttaparthi is located around 90 kilometers away from Lepakshi and is a place associated with Sathya Sai Baba. It has attracted people from all continents who came to worship in Prasanthi Nilayam ashram. The town has numerous other attractions; for example, Chaitanya Jyoti Museum that displays the life and teachings of Sai Baba as well as Sri Sathya Sai Space Theatre which takes you through an interesting planetarium show. This town's calmness and spiritual atmosphere make it a special kind of escape. A town full of historical significance, Penukonda is located 60 kilometers away from Lepakshi. Penukonda was once an important fortress town during the period of Vijayanagara Empire. Some notable landmarks here include Penukonda fort with its fabulous architecture and many ancient temples that are housed within its walls. In addition to Gagan Mahal, a palace built by the Vijayanagara kings, there is Bhogasamudram Lake among other important sites to mention at least two more places. History enthusiasts will enjoy this city's rich history along with beautiful architecture. Popularly known as India's Grand Canyon, Gandikota sits about 200 kilometers away from Lepakshi and is also a hidden paradise for adventure enthusiasts and nature-lovers alike. Located on Penna River banks, this small village has been named after its spectacular gorge and Gandikota fort. These ruins along with views of the canyon create a blend between history and natural beauty. Rock climbing or kayaking in the Penna River are popular activities in Gandikota hence making it one adventurous destination for weekends too. and Sangama Approximately one hundred forty kilometers away from Lepakshi, Mekedatu and Sangam provide a fusion of natural wonders and exploits. Sangama is the confluence of the Arkavathi and Kaveri rivers, and a very peaceful place for picnics. Mekedatu is found just close by after walking or using a bus from Sangama through which Kaveri River passes in a slim gorge. The sight of the river passing through rocks comes with an impact that takes your breath away. It is ideal for nature lovers or those who seek adventure at its simplest form. Nandeeshwara Temple Situated at the foothills of Nandi Hills, approximately sixty kilometers from Lepakshi, Bhoganandishwara temple is Karnataka's oldest temple dating back to the ninth century AD. It has well maintained gardens as well as exquisite carvings on its walls which make it an architectural marvel. Religious people visit this shrine because Lord Shiva is worshiped there; devotees are also attracted to the architectural beauty associated with it. It's quiet surroundings make it excellent for a tranquil weekend. Chikkaballapur, which is about seventy-five kilometers from Lepakshi, offers both adventure and spirituality at once. Some common hiking destinations in this area include Nandi Hills, Skandagiri Hill and Avalabetta hill sites amongst others. Besides their spiritual significance as places of worship like Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple in Nandi village and Bhimeswara Swamy Temple in Gudibanda respectively; they also have unique historical value attached to them. Furthermore, being close to Bangalore makes Chikkaballapur a suitable place for weekend outings. Final Thoughts Lepakshi itself is a captivating destination, but its proximity to a variety of other intriguing sites makes it an excellent base for exploring the region. The areas around Lepakshi have something to offer to hill lovers, history buffs and adventurous souls alike; so whether you want to spend your time in a quiet hill station or go on an exciting hike, you won't be disappointed. So just pack your luggage, hit the road and look forward to making memories while enjoying your weekend holiday.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Column by Devdutt Pattanaik
On the top of many Hindu temples, one finds the image of a head looking down on the people below — his eyes protruding from its sockets, his mouth wide open, his tongue out. This is called the Kirtimukha, the Head of Glory, or Vajramukha, the Eternal Head. There are many stories to explain its origins. The most popular is that of a goblin who was created by Shiva to kill demons. But when the demons apologised, Shiva forgave them. Now, the goblin was hungry and asked the lord for food. Shiva said, 'Why don't you eat your own body?' The creature began eating his hands, legs, and body, until there was nothing left. Impressed by his obedience, Shiva declared that his head would be placed on top of all temples, a symbol of insatiable hunger, devotion, and how useless the head is without the body — a counterpoint to when Brahmins claim they rose from the head of the Vedic Purusha, the primal man. There are other stories of this head. In goddess temples of North India, one finds the image of Bhairava (a fierce form of Shiva) holding in his hand the head of Brahma. It is said that at the dawn of time, the deity had four heads facing the four directions. But then he saw the goddess Shatarupa (the multi-formed one, the first woman) and grew a fifth head on top, expressing his desire for her. Disgusted by this, the goddess called upon Rudra to protect her, and thus Bhairava was born. He chopped off Brahma's fifth head, and he still holds it in his hand. According to some lore, this head can be detached only when he goes to the city of Kashi and washes his hand in the Ganga. Beheading sons and fathers In Shiva temples, one finds the image of Veerabhadra holding a head in one hand. This is the head of Daksha Prajapati, who neither understood nor recognised the greatness of the lord, leading Veerabhadra, a terrifying creature born of Shiva's hair, to behead him. Daksha was also the father-in-law of Shiva — the one whose daughter, Sati, chooses the lord as her husband against her father's wishes. But tensions between her father and her husband lead to Sati taking her own life, angering Shiva, who, in the form of Veerabhadra, beheads his father-in-law. It is the head of the man who realised the power of Shiva when he lost control over his own body, the source of his own prejudices. Folk versions of the Mahabharata speak of a great warrior (known as Bilalsen in Nepal) who had taken a vow to always fight for the losing side. He was extremely strong. Krishna feared that such a person, who would keep switching sides, would prevent any war from coming to an end — especially the war being fought at Kurukshetra between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. So, Krishna asked the warrior to give him his head in alms. The warrior, who never refused requests of charity, cut off his own head and gave it to Krishna on the condition that it would be kept alive and allowed to witness the Mahabharata war. In Rajasthan, this warrior is called Barbarik and is considered the grandson of Bhima, the son of Ghatotkacha by a Naga princess. The same story is told in other parts of India, such as Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Malwa, Bundelkhand, Garhwal, and Himachal, where he is considered to be Bilalsen, the son of Bhima. His head was placed on top of a mountain, and every time it laughed, it produced such force that the armies of the Kauravas and the Pandavas were pushed in opposite directions, unable to fight. So the head was brought down and placed on the ground by Krishna. When Krishna wept like a widow Another such head appears in South India — in the story of Aravana, Arjuna's son by the Naga princess Ulupi. Aravana was an extremely strong warrior who was sacrificed on the eve of the Mahabharata war. He did not want to die a virgin and begged to be given a wife before his sacrifice. Since no woman wanted to marry him, Krishna took the form of a woman, married him for the night, enabling his sacrifice at dawn. For him, Krishna wept like a widow. Aravana's head was also placed on top of a tree so that he could witness the war. While everyone believes the Mahabharata to be a war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, Aravana realises that it is actually a war orchestrated by Krishna so that the blood of kings can quench the thirst of the Earth goddess, who is exhausted by their ambition and greed. The head atop the temple thus forces temple devotees to look at life from a different perspective. Everything is not about us. Devdutt Pattanaik is the author of 50 books on mythology, art and culture.
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Farmer dies by suicide in Nidasosi
Belagavi: A farmer died by suicide after getting upset over the property auction process in Nidasosi village of Hukkeri taluk on Friday. It is said that the farmer was distressed after a private finance company, which gave him a loan, put up a notice in the village. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The deceased farmer was identified as Veerabhadra Basavanni Madannavar, 40. He reportedly took a loan of Rs 9.9 lakh from a Mumbai-based private finance company and did not repay it on time. The finance company posted a notice in the village stating that his house would be auctioned for non-repayment. Additionally, this was made public in the village through an announcement in a rickshaw. According to police, the preliminary investigation revealed that the farmer Veerabhadra, who was depressed following the announcement in the village, may have died by suicide by hanging himself. Veerabhadra, who engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry, could not repay the loan on time due to the losses he incurred. It is learnt that he also sold his land. Basavanni Madannavar, the father of the deceased farmer, expressed his anger to the media, stating that the financier is responsible for his son's death. The deceased farmer is survived by his parents, wife, and five daughters. Sankeshwar police inspected the spot and registered a complaint.
Hans India
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Tollywood film director AS Ravi Kumar Chowdary passes away
Veteran Telugu filmmaker AS Ravi Kumar Chowdary, known for delivering several hit films in the early 2000s, passed away on Friday night following a heart attack. The director had reportedly been battling serious health issues for some time. Ravi Kumar made a strong debut with the 2004 action drama Yagnam, starring Gopichand, which brought him instant recognition in the industry. He later collaborated with leading stars and helmed Veerabhadra with Nandamuri Balakrishna. Another major milestone in his career came with Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham, which marked the debut of Sai Dharam Tej and enjoyed a successful run at the box office. His filmography also includes titles like Soukhyam, Aatadistha, and Bhai. While not all of his films met with commercial success, several of them, particularly Yagnam and Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham, are fondly remembered by Telugu audiences. Many of the songs from his movies also gained wide popularity and continue to enjoy a loyal fanbase. AS Ravi Kumar's last directorial venture was Tiragabadara Swamy, featuring Raj Tarun. Unfortunately, the film didn't make a major impact, but it marked his final contribution to the industry he served for nearly two decades. According to sources close to the family, the director had been living alone for some time before his passing. He is survived by his wife and children. The Telugu film fraternity has expressed deep condolences, remembering Ravi Kumar as a passionate filmmaker whose contributions will remain etched in Tollywood's history.
