The mystery footprints on stone in the Lepakshi temple is the ever-flowing water stream from the footsteps of Sita ji
At one place in the courtyard of the Virbhadra temple of Lepakshi, there are footprints on stone of Sita ji. A huge footprint was made at that time. When the demon Ravana was carrying Sita ji away. Then after coming in the middle of Jatayu, the demon Ravana had to stop for some time to fight with Jatayu. Then where Sita ji stayed, these huge footprints were made.
However, in that war Jatayu was injured after defeating Ravana. Then after the arrival of Lord Rama after taking Sita ji by the demon Ravana, Jatayu told in an injured state that Sita Mata, who has taken away the demon Ravana, who is Lankapati.
At the time of Jatayu's death, some such thing also happened that a word came out from the mouth of Lord Rama, "Le Pakshi", from which the name of that place was named as Lepakshi.
In Lepakshi where there are footprints of Sita ji. He is always wet. Till now no one has been able to find out from where the water keeps coming in this mysterious footprint. Even if it is very hot time, even then the water does not dry up.
The Mystery Footprints on Stone in the Lepakshi Temple:
The Ever-Flowing Water Stream from the Footsteps of Sita Ji
The mystery footprints on stone in the Lepakshi Temple are among the most fascinating spiritual and historical enigmas of India. According to deep-rooted belief and local tradition, these footprints belong to Sita Ji, and the continuous flow of water from these stone impressions is considered sacred and miraculous. For centuries, devotees, historians, and scholars have tried to understand the truth behind this phenomenon—where faith, mythology, history, and natural science intersect.
Located in Lepakshi Temple, in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, the site is revered not only for its grand Vijayanagara-era architecture but also for its powerful association with the Ramayana.
Lepakshi and Its Mythological Roots in the Ramayana
The village of Lepakshi holds a sacred place in Hindu mythology. According to the Ramayana, this is the land where Jatayu, the divine vulture, fell after battling Ravana while trying to rescue Sita Ji. It is believed that when Rama saw the wounded bird, he compassionately uttered the words “Le Pakshi” (Rise, O Bird), giving the village its name—Lepakshi.
Within this mythological context lies the legend of Sita Ji’s footprints, believed to have formed when Ravana forcefully carried her away. The stone impressions, preserved inside the temple complex, are said to be the divine marks of Sita Ji’s feet, eternally flowing with water as a symbol of her purity and suffering.
The Sacred Footprints: What Devotees Believe
Inside the Lepakshi temple complex, devotees can see foot-shaped impressions carved naturally into stone, from which water constantly seeps out. This phenomenon continues throughout the year, regardless of season—summer, monsoon, or drought.
Religious Beliefs Associated with the Footprints:
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The footprints belong to Sita
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The flowing water represents tears, purity, and divine energy
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The water is considered holy (tirtha) and healing
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Offering prayers here is believed to bring peace, fertility, and protection
Devotees collect this water, apply it on their forehead, and offer flowers and vermilion in reverence.
Ever-Flowing Water: The Central Mystery
The most intriguing aspect of the Sita footprints is the continuous water flow. Even during extreme dry seasons, when surrounding regions face water scarcity, the stone footprints never dry.
Key Mysteries:
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No visible external water source
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No seasonal dependency
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Water flows only from the footprint area
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Flow remains steady, not excessive or stagnant
This has led many to regard the site as divinely protected, reinforcing belief in the Ramayana legend.
Historical Perspective: Vijayanagara Era and Temple Design
The Lepakshi Temple was built in the 16th century during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire, under the patronage of Virupanna Nayaka. The temple is dedicated to Veerabhadra, a fierce form of Lord Shiva.
While the footprints predate the temple structure in belief, the Vijayanagara rulers preserved the site within the temple complex, respecting its spiritual importance to Vaishnavite and Shaivite traditions alike.
This inclusion suggests that the footprints were already considered sacred before formal architectural development.
Scientific Interpretations and Geological Views
From a scientific standpoint, researchers propose that:
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The water may originate from underground aquifers
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The stone could be part of a natural seepage channel
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Capillary action within granite fissures may cause continuous flow
However, scientists also acknowledge that:
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The precise, localized flow is geologically unusual
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No clear underground channel has been identified
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The water does not erode or widen the stone significantly
Thus, science explains the mechanism partially, but not fully—leaving room for mystery.
Faith vs Science: A Harmonious Coexistence
Rather than contradicting each other, faith and science coexist at Lepakshi. For believers, the footprints are a living testimony of Sita Ji’s presence. For historians and geologists, they are an ancient natural phenomenon preserved through cultural reverence.
India’s spiritual heritage thrives on this balance—where belief gives meaning and science seeks understanding.
Rituals and Worship at the Footprints
Common rituals include:
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Offering flowers and turmeric
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Collecting sacred water
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Silent prayers for family harmony
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Meditation and chanting Ramayana verses
Women devotees especially visit the site, believing Sita Ji to be the ideal symbol of strength, devotion, and dignity.
Cultural Significance in Local Traditions
For the local population, the footprints are not just a religious artifact but a cultural identity. Stories about Sita Ji are passed orally from generation to generation. During Ram Navami and other festivals, special prayers are held near the footprints.
The site reinforces:
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Respect for women
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Endurance in adversity
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Moral strength over physical power
Tourism and Preservation
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) monitors the Lepakshi Temple complex. While tourism has increased, protective measures ensure:
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No physical damage to the footprints
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Controlled access
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Respectful photography rules
Visitors are encouraged to experience the site with reverence, not skepticism.
Symbolism of the Flowing Water
In Hindu philosophy, water symbolizes life, purity, and continuity. The never-ending flow from Sita Ji’s footprints is interpreted as:
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Eternal remembrance of righteousness
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The unbroken spirit of dharma
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Compassion flowing endlessly into the world
It serves as a reminder that truth and virtue leave lasting impressions, just as Sita Ji’s footsteps have.
Conclusion
The mystery footprints on stone in the Lepakshi Temple, from which water eternally flows, remain one of India’s most profound spiritual enigmas. Rooted in the Ramayana, preserved through Vijayanagara history, and observed through modern science, the site stands at the crossroads of myth, faith, and natural wonder.
Whether one views the phenomenon as divine grace or geological mystery, the footprints of Sita Ji continue to inspire devotion, humility, and awe. Lepakshi does not merely tell a story—it allows history and belief to flow endlessly, just like the sacred water from the stone footprints.
