1) N13 48 6.6 E77 36 33.9 - Sri Veerabhadra Temple
2) 13˚ 48ʹ 11.4 ʺ N and 77˚ 36ʹ 44.6 ʺ E - Monolithic Bull (Nandi)
Location and Context: Sri Veerabhadra temple, also known as Lepakshi Temple is located in Lepakshi Village, named after a main shrine dedicated to Veerabhadra (the fiery incarnation of Lord Shiva). From the inscriptions engraved on the prakara walls of the temple, the village is alternatively called as Lepaksha, Lepakshi and Lepakshipura. The literal meaning of the word is -Lepa + Akshi- an embalmed eye or a painted eye. Due to several stories signifying the meaning of the name of the village, it is difficult to understand its origin.
Historical Overview and Development: The significance of the place dates back to the Indian epic Ramayana. It is believed that the bird Jatayu, wounded by the king of Lanka, Ravana, fell here after a battle against the king who was carrying away Sita, the wife of Rama, the king of Ayodhya. When Rama reached the spot, he saw the bird and said compassionately to him, “Le Pakshi” — meaning “Arise, bird” in Telugu.
The discovery of Ashokan Rock Edicts at Yerragudi in same district as Lepakshi and other sites as Siddhapur, Jatinga Rameshwaram, and Brahmagiri in the adjacent districts indicates that this region was under Mauryan Rule in 3rd Century BCE. From them it came under Satavahans, Chutus, Gangas, Chalyukas of Badami and the Nolambas. The Nolambas were in possession of it till the 10th century CE. From the Nolambas, it passed to the Chalukyas of Kalyani and then to the Hoysalas who ruled till the first quarter of the 13th century CE. In 1346 CE, King Harihara constructed a fort at Penugondaas his second capital marking the start of the Vijayanagara rule over the region.
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