Mesmerized in Myth and Light: My Experience at Lepakshi Temple and the Adiyogi Laser Show

If you’ve ever found yourself standing at the edge of the Himalayas during the Hampta Pass trek, looking out at the vast, snow-draped valleys, then you know the kind of soul-stirring emotion I’m about to describe. That same blend of awe, stillness, and something almost divine swept over me again—but this time, I wasn’t surrounded by icy peaks. I was in Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh, beneath ancient stone carvings and watching a spectacle of light and devotion at the Adiyogi Laser Show.

Rediscovering Faith in the Shadows of Lepakshi Temple

I arrived at Lepakshi Temple late in the afternoon, the golden hour casting a soft glow over the red granite structures. Nestled in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, this 16th-century marvel is not just a pilgrimage site, it’s a living museum of Vijayanagara architecture.

The Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, known widely as Lepakshi Temple, is famous for its hanging pillar, a feat of engineering that defies gravity. As I placed a sheet of paper beneath it and watched it glide through, I felt the same surreal wonder I had when first gazing at the crescent moon rising over the Hampta valley. These stones, carved centuries ago, still whisper stories of epic tales, devotion, and divine grace.

Every sculpture, from the coiled serpents to the majestic Nandi statue facing the temple, told a story. It felt like walking through time, where every stone had a soul, and every corner echoed with chants long forgotten.

The Spiritual Pulse of Adiyogi in South India

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the atmosphere began to shift. I made my way toward the newly constructed Adiyogi Shiva statue near the temple premises. If you’ve seen the original Adiyogi at the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore, you’ll immediately recognize the same commanding presence here—112 feet of meditative serenity, representing the first yogi and the origin of yoga.

But what made this experience unforgettable was the Adiyogi Laser Show.

Set against the backdrop of twilight skies, the show began with chants echoing through the air. What followed was nothing short of magical. Beams of light danced across the statue, bringing to life the journey of Adiyogi—his teachings, his transformation of human consciousness, and the mystical origins of yoga. The narration was synced with music, mantra, and animation so immersive that I forgot I was seated among hundreds of others.

It wasn’t just a light show; it was a spiritual experience in digital form. The energy I felt here was reminiscent of that quiet moment at the top of Hampta Pass, surrounded by nothing but snow and sky, when you realize you’re just a small part of something vast and eternal.

Walking the Path of Legends and Devotees

What I hadn’t expected from Lepakshi was how rooted it was in the Ramayana and Puranic tales. According to legend, Jatayu, the great bird from Ramayana who tried to stop Ravana from abducting Sita, fell here after being wounded—hence the name "Lepa-akshi", meaning "rise, bird" in Telugu.

As I walked through the temple corridor where it’s believed that Sita’s footprint still remains etched into the stone, I felt a deep, strange comfort. There was something humbling about standing where gods and myths were said to walk. It reminded me of the final day of the Hampta trek, where exhaustion meets fulfillment, and every step becomes a prayer.

Travel Tips for the Modern-Day Pilgrim

Getting to Lepakshi is fairly straightforward. It’s about 120 km from Bangalore, making it a perfect weekend getaway. The roads are smooth, and you can easily drive down or take a bus. The best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is cool and the laser show is held regularly.

A few tips to make the most of your visit:

Arrive by 4 PM to explore the temple before sunset.

Don’t miss the monolithic Nandi statue, one of the largest in India.

The Adiyogi Laser Show starts around 7 PM, depending on the season.

Carry a shawl or light jacket if visiting in winter evenings.

Respect the sanctity of the site—no shoes inside temple premises.

Why Lepakshi Felt Like Coming Home

There’s something deeply connective about places that merge ancient spirituality with modern storytelling. The Lepakshi Adiyogi Laser Show isn’t just about lasers and lights—it’s about awakening. Just like the trek to Hampta Pass teaches you resilience and reverence for nature, Lepakshi reminds you of your roots, your culture, and the timeless wisdom we so often forget in city life.

As I sat under the stars that night, watching Adiyogi’s face bathed in celestial colors, I realized that this was not just another tourist stop. It was a pilgrimage, a journey inward, just like every high-altitude trail I’ve ever walked. Lepakshi gave me something rare—a moment to reflect, to breathe, to belong.

Final Thoughts: The Light Within

We often chase mountaintops to find peace. But sometimes, that same sense of transcendence can be found in the warm stone of a temple, in the flicker of a diya, in the symphony of a laser show that tells a tale older than time.

If Hampta Pass was my call to the wild, then Lepakshi Temple and the Adiyogi Laser Show was my call to the soul.