lepakshi images

Lord Shiva in his Court

Detail from a Lepakshi mural
 
 

Siva Kankalamurti

Detail from a Lepakshi mural

This sculpture, perhaps the most spectacular in the temple, is a classic depiction of Shiva as Kankala-murti. His feet are clad in wooden sandals, the right leg slightly bent forward in a gesture of movement. In one of his hands he holds the kankala-danda, placed horizontally on his shoulders. Another hand is in the kataka-mudra held near the mouth of a deer that rears up to it. Other hands hold a trisula and a damaru. Above his head is an elaborate makara-torana. His flowing jata spreads on either side of his mukuta. To his left is a bhuta-gana, carrying on his head a large bowl of rice. At the right edge of the pier is an image of a woman (probably Parvati) serving him rice with a ladle. The woman's dress is shown slipping down. Figures of gandharvas and rishis blessing Siva are above and to the right.

Ceiling Murals

The murals at Lepakshi are the most important specimens of Vijayanagara pictorial art and illustrate the high level of artistic achievement reached in Vijayanagara. The paintings, recently restored, are in vibrant red, green, and ochre colours. Black floral patterns border the scenes on either side. This panel shows the marriage of Siva and Parvati. The seated figures as well as the maids in attendance on Parvati each have distinct hairstyles, dresses, and facial types.

Patrons


This famous scene shows patrons and architects of the temple worshipping Siva and Parvati. Patrons are identified by the tall, conical and patterned brocade caps. Other sources identify this type of headgear with nobility or royalty. To show that they are walking on a hill peopel are shown litil tilted backside.

Kiratarjuniya, Hunting Scene

Most panels illustrate legends from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Siva Purana. This animated scene narrates the hunting episode from the Kirata story. The boar is charging through the forest. A sage is shown fleeing together with antelopes, rabbit, and birds (above). On the right are hunters with bows and arrows.

Kiratarjuniya, Siva

This slightly damaged panel continues the Kirata story. The sages, still terrified, are shown reporting to Shiva (on the right).

Andhakasura

Siva slays andhakasura, while dieties and worshippers watch, worship, and appreciate in amazement. The floral borders are particularly elaborate and well-preserved on this panel.