Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers

Description: Lepakshi Town is in the Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh. It is located 15 km east of Hindupur and 120 km north of Bangalore. The famous Veerabhadra Temple is here, renowned for its historical and architectural brilliance, notably with its unique Hanging Pillar and Monolithic Nandi statue, carved from a single piece of granite. This remarkable statue is an important archaeological site, and the remarkable creation stands as the largest Nandi statue in the world, a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of its time. Measuring 27 feet in length and 15 feet in height, the Lepakshi Nandi draws attention with its colossal size and exquisite artistry. 

The care taken to decorate this Nandi and the ornamentation it has been adorned with, such as a beautiful bell necklace and delicately crafted earrings that adorn its small, gracefully curved horns, match its proportions. The speciality of the Lepakshi Nandi is its unique posture. Unlike many other Nandi statues, this creation keeps its head at a slightly elevated angle. The subtle nuances of which symbolise the expression of devotion and dedication, when Nandi stands in front of his Lord Shiva, which in most temples, Lord Shiva and Nandi are placed face to face, but here in Lepakshi, Nandi is shown away from Lord Shiva. These minute details symbolise deep devotion and dedication, which is the norm for Nandi as he stands before his beloved Lord Shiva. The significance of Nandi at Lepakshi goes far beyond its colossal size; it represents a harmonious blend of artistic brilliance and unwavering devotion. 

Sculpted during the Vijayanagara Empire period, this Nandi idol exemplifies mastery in proportions, intricate detailing and superb finishing – truly an epitome of timeless artistry. According to legend, this magnificent monolith was not carefully planned but was simply built by a group of skilled craftsmen in their spare time while waiting for their food. This fascinating story adds another layer of mystery to the already mesmerising Nandi. India Post is honouring the iconic monuments of Lepakshi through picture postcards and PPCS to celebrate the cultural and architectural heritage of Lepakshi.