Lepakshi: Architecture, Sculpture, Painting (H.B)

Book Details:

• Publisher: Niyogi Books

• Author: Anna L. Dallapiccola, George Michel, Brigitte Khan Majlis

• Language: English

• Edition: First Edition

• ISBN: 9789386906908

• Pages: 272

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.5 x 1.1 inches

About the Book:

Lepakshi: The Vijayanagara Temple of Virabhadra is a comprehensive and richly illustrated volume that explores one of the most spectacular and well-preserved temples of the Vijayanagara Empire, hidden away in the remote village of Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh. Dedicated to Virabhadra, a fierce manifestation of Shiva, this temple stands as a testament to the artistic and architectural achievements of southern India in the first half of the sixteenth century.

Unlike many other religious monuments from the period that have been altered or lost their original features, the Lepakshi temple remains remarkably intact, with its architecture, sculptures, and paintings showcasing the finest artistic traditions of the time. The book is authored by three eminent scholars—George Michel, who has focused on Vijayanagara temple architecture; Anna L. Dallapiccola, a leading expert on southern Indian sculpture and painting traditions; and Brigitte Khan Majlis, an authority on Indian textile designs and techniques.

This volume offers a detailed description of the temple, accompanied by architectural plans, over 250 specially commissioned photographs of the temple’s exterior and interior by Surendra Kumar, and a deep dive into the historical, religious, and artistic significance of the site. The unique series of ceiling paintings at Lepakshi are given special attention, offering readers a rare glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Vijayanagara Empire.

For those interested in Indian architecture, sculpture, and history, Lepakshi: The Vijayanagara Temple of Virabhadra is an essential resource, offering new insights into one of the most beautiful and historically important temples of southern India.