A pillar defies gravity in an Indian temple.

The nearly 5-meter-tall column hanging from the temple ceiling without touching the ground has puzzled researchers regarding the methods and intentions of the ancient builders.

The suspended pillar at the Veerbhadra temple. Photo: Wikipedia

At the heart of the village of Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh, lies a marvel of ancient Indian architecture: a temple with a pillar that doesn't touch the ground at all. This intriguing phenomenon has made the temple the focus of research, raising questions about the method and intent behind its construction, according to Ancient Origins .

The Veerbhadra Temple, located in the village of Lepakshi, is famous for its numerous mosaic paintings and sculptures dating back to the 16th century. However, its most famous feature is the seemingly suspended pillar that defies the laws of gravity. The approximately 4.6-meter-tall, intricately carved stone pillar appears to hang from the ceiling, with its base barely touching the ground, large enough to fit a piece of cloth or towel through a gap.

According to the theory of interlocking stones, the column may consist of many perfectly balanced blocks of stone, creating the illusion of the object floating. However, researchers have found no joints to prove this. Others speculate that the column may be partially hollow, reducing its weight and making it appear to be suspended. Furthermore, due to seismic activity in the region, many scholars suggest that the column's unique design may have been intentional on the part of the temple builders to improve its earthquake resistance.

During the colonial period, a British engineer sought to unravel the mystery behind the hanging pillar at the Lepakshi temple. He attempted to move it, causing the pillar to shift from its original position. This accident resulted in the collapse of part of the temple's roof, but it also made the pillar even more mysterious, attracting even more visitors and researchers.

The historical importance of Lepakshi Temple lies in its connection to the Vijayanagara Empire, one of the most prominent and influential empires in South Indian history. This empire, ruled by the Sangama and Saluva dynasties, flourished from the 14th to the 17th centuries. The construction of Lepakshi Temple during this period is a testament to the empire's artistic, cultural, and religious achievements.

An Khang (According to Ancient Origins )

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