It was one of those weekends when the city noise felt just a bit too loud, and the soul craved something quieter, deeper. That’s when a friend mentioned Lepakshi Temple and the Adiyogi laser show – both not far from Bangalore and promising an experience that was spiritual and stunning at the same time.

With little planning and a lot of excitement, we set off for a day that would unexpectedly turn into one of my most enriching getaways.

The Drive – Roads that Whisper Stories

Located around 120 km from Bangalore, Lepakshi is an easy 3-hour drive. We started early, around 6 AM, cruising through scenic highways, with tea stops and local chatter. The landscape slowly changed from city concrete to open skies and stretches of countryside that made me roll down the windows and breathe it all in.

We reached Lepakshi village by mid-morning, the sun already lighting up the stone walls of the ancient temple.

Lepakshi Temple – Carved in Stone, Frozen in Time

Standing at the entrance of Veerabhadra Temple in Lepakshi, I was awestruck. The temple, dating back to the 16th century and built during the Vijayanagara empire, feels less like a structure and more like a sculpture — every inch covered with stories in stone.

The pillars, some of which are famed for not touching the ground (yes, there’s a “hanging pillar” here!), the intricate carvings of gods, dancers, and mythical beasts — it’s overwhelming in the best way. Our guide explained how the temple was built by Viranna and Virupanna, and the legend of how one of them sacrificed his sight in repentance gave me goosebumps.

The Shiva Linga with the coiled serpent hood, carved from a single stone, and the massive Nandi bull statue located a few hundred meters away, are visual treats — especially for lovers of temple architecture and mythology.

This isn’t just a temple; it’s a canvas of devotion and craftsmanship. It made me feel deeply connected to something ancient and sacred.

The Spiritual Pause – Quiet Corners and Reflection

After exploring the temple, we sat under a neem tree within the temple complex, soaking in the silence. Despite being popular, the temple wasn’t crowded. There was a certain calm in the air, the kind that makes you want to pause and just be.

I lit a small diya near the sanctum, not as a ritual, but as a thank you — for peace, for beauty, for history that still breathes.

Adiyogi Statue – A Divine Presence in the Hills

As the sun began to dip, we headed towards the Adiyogi Shiva statue, located about an hour away near Chikkaballapur. This place has recently become a favorite for spiritual seekers and casual travelers alike.

The Adiyogi statue, inspired by the original one at Coimbatore, stands tall and majestic against the backdrop of hills. With folded hands and a calm expression, Lord Shiva here represents pure consciousness — and just standing in front of him, I felt a strange lightness.

The campus around the statue is clean, well-organized, and welcoming. There’s a peaceful energy here — people meditating, families walking around, and travelers like us waiting for what’s to come next.

The Laser Show – Light, Music, and Mesmerizing Moments

As twilight faded into night, we found a spot near the statue to watch the much-talked-about Adiyogi laser show. The moment the lights dimmed and the first beam of laser danced across the sky, I felt a chill down my spine.

For the next 15 minutes, the laser light show narrated the story of Adiyogi Shiva, his significance, and his teachings — all through stunning visuals, music, and storytelling in the sky. The powerful voiceover, the spiritual chants, and the sheer scale of the display made it a goosebumps-inducing experience.

This wasn’t just entertainment. It was deeply emotional, spiritual, and spectacular. The combination of ancient wisdom and modern technology felt surreal.

If you’re someone who loves spiritual experiences with a modern twist, this Shiva laser show in Karnataka is an absolute must-see.

Final Thoughts – A Journey Worth Every Mile

As we drove back to Bangalore late that night, our hearts were full. Full of stories from the carvings of Lepakshi, full of silence and reflection, full of awe from the Adiyogi laser show. This trip was not just sightseeing — it was a journey into history, into devotion, and into light.

Whether you’re looking for a day trip from Bangalore, a dose of spirituality, or just something different, this combination of Lepakshi Temple and Adiyogi statue offers it all.

Take that trip. Let history whisper to you in stone, and let Shiva dance before your eyes in beams of light.

Quick Tips for Your Trip:

• Distance: ~120 km from Bangalore to Lepakshi, ~60 km from Lepakshi to Adiyogi statue.

• Best time to visit: October to March for pleasant weather.

• Timings: Lepakshi Temple: 6 AM – 6 PM Adiyogi Laser Show: Usually around 7 PM, but check local timings

• Wear comfortable shoes – lots of walking and uneven terrain.

• Carry water and light snacks – facilities are limited near the temple.