The etymology of the name Lepakshi is not certain. According to one theory, it is Lepa Akshi, embalmed eyes , and other theory is connected to Ramayana: When Raavana abducts Sita, the bird Jatayu tries to stop and in the process gets wounded. Later when Rama finds Jatayu lying wounded, he says with compassion 'Le Pakshi', meaning 'Get up bird'. There's an enormous foot imprint in the temple corridor which is known as Seethamma Padam. Some also refer to it as Durga Padam.
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Seethamma Padam
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Lepakshi is also famous for its motifs popularly known as Lepakshi motifs, used mostly as saree border patterns. One can find these intricate patterns carved on pillars in Latha Mandapam and some of them can be found in the murals too.
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| Latha Mandapam |
During festivals like Shivarathri, the temple hosts many pilgrims within its complex. The pilgrims keep an all-night vigil singing and dancing in praise of lord.
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| Temple complex |
Another gigantic monolithic structure, Lepakshi is famous for, is the Nandi also called as Basavanna.
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| Basavanna |
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| GandaBerundam - Karnataka emblem, adorning Nandi |
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