Lepakshi Nagalinga

The imposing Nagalilnga at Lepakshi The Shiva linga made of black granite is seated on a three-coiled, seven-hooded naga prabhavali. This beautiful monolithic sculpture is 15 feet tall. Legend has it that this structure was carved out of a single granite boulder by sculptors in one hour, while they waited for their mother to finish cooking their lunch. It is believed that when their mother finished her cooking she saw this amazing sculpture. She was stunned by the statue and praised her sons/sculptors, and lo and behold a crack appeared at the base caused by her “evil eye”. To this day, Pooja and offerings are not made to this majestic monolith due to this damage. I am not sure how far this story is true, but when you listen to it from a passionate guide who is a wonderful storyteller, you are cast under a spell! Legend or fable aside, it will make you feel just blown away with its majesticity, size and grandeur.