Veerbhadra Swami in Lepakshi and Virupaksha in Hampi

Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi- Andhra Pradesh 

Sometime in the early 1500s 

King Achutaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire 

Financed the construction of the aalayam

That became an architectural marvel 

Source: Real Bharat

Two brothers, Virupannna Mayaka and Viranna

Governors of the Empire 

Built the structure by hiring 

The best artisans from the kingdom 

Gaining a mention in the ancient text of Skanda Purana 

Source: Creative Stellars

The walls and surfaces display the elaborate carvings

Of scenes from the Ramayana 

With musical pillars and complex patterns 

With a pillar that hangs in the air 

Not touching the ground 

Veerebhadra aalayam is proof of talent found nowhere else

Source: Amusing Planet

Outside in the premises stands the monolithic Nandi

Inside stands the murti of Veerabhadra 

In his majestic glory 

Prabhu Shiva and Maa Parvati reside in the eastern wing 

And Bhagwan Vishnu in another chamber 

While a huge boulder carved into a shiv ling 

With a multi-hooded serpent shielding the lingam 

Adorns the premises, attracting people from near and far 

Source: Krishna Chandolu- Incredible Spiritual India 

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Virupaksha Temple, Hampi- Karnataka

It’s the Vijayanagara Empire again 

With their love for art and architecture 

Developed a 7th-century mandir dedicated to Prabhu Shiva 

Source: Creative Stellars

Now a World Heritage Site, standing tall 

Amidst the ruins of Hampi 

Surviving the destructions by the invaders 

Virupaksha devalaya* was renovated in the 19th century 

To bring back its lost glory 

Source: Thrilling Travel

The gopuram* is 49 meters high 

Built around 1442 along with the 100 pillars 

Some of which play music when tapped by a chisel 

Source: Mystery of India

An annual chariot festival, the divine marriage of 

Bhagwan Virupaksha and his consort Devi Pampa

Bring bhakts from around the place 

To celebrate the pious union

One day, we hope 

The ruins of Hampi would rise again 

To build a kingdom that would last for the future to see 

Source: India the Destiny

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Note: 

Devalaya- Temple 

Gopuram- tower 

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Source: 

https://www.astroved.com/astropedia/en/temples/south-india/lepakshi-temple

https://www.karnataka.com/hampi/virupaksha-temple/ 

https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/destinations/hampi/virupaksha-temple.html

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