Mystery behind the Hanging Pillar at Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh

Lepakshi is a quaint town in Andhra Pradesh, South India. The town is noted for a remarkable architectural marvel that has left the world of tourism and science stunned for centuries now and it’s none other than the Hanging Pillar in the Lepakshi Temple.

What’s so astonishing about the Hanging Pillar?

The Hanging Pillar is inside a grand hall, which is supported by 70 other pillars. What makes this particular pillar special is that it doesn’t quite touch the ground and looks as if freely suspended in the air! There’s a small visible gap between its base and the floor that gives the pillar an impression as if it’s floating, defying all the rules of gravity.

About the temple

The Lepakshi Temple, built during the 16th century, is dedicated to Lord Virabhadra, It was built during the rule of Vijayanagara kings. The temple is noted for its intricate carvings, pretty colourful frescoes, and a huge 70 ft tall monolithic Nandi (bull) statue. But it’s the Hanging Pillar that has created a huge buzz here.

Legends and mysteries

There are several legends around the Hanging Pillar. One popular myth says that it was constructed deliberately this way to highlight the intelligent craftsmanship of the artisans of that era. But the current situation suggests that the reason behind it might be a result of seismic activity or an engineering work gone wrong during its construction!

Now, over the centuries, innumerable visitors have attempted to pass objects, such as thin paper sheets, small sticks, and thin pieces of clothes under the pillar and some actually did succeed in sliding items underneath to the world’s surprise.

Till date, the Hanging Pillar at Lepakshi Temple remains shrouded in mystery. It continues to baffle and draw tourists and history enthusiasts from across the world.