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Significance of Lepakshi:
- It is located in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh.
- In Telugu, the name ‘Lepakshi’ means ‘Rise, oh bird’.
- The town has been named as a tribute to Jatayu, the giant vulture-like bird who fought with Ravana after he kidnapped Sita.
- As per the Ramayana, Lepakshi is the area where Jatayu was wounded by Ravana.
- Here, Jatayu was granted moksha by Lord Ram.
About Veerabhadra Temple (Also called, Lepakshi Temple):
- It was built during the 16th century by Virupanna Nayaka and Viranna, who were Governors under the Vijayanagar Empire during the reign of King Achyuta Deva Raya.
- The temple is dedicated to the Virabhadra, a fierce incarnation of Lord Shiva.
- The architectural features of the temple are in the Vijayanagara style.
- The fresco paintings are detailed with scenes from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Puranas.
- According to Skanda Purana, the temple is one of the divya kshetram, an important pilgrimage site of Lord Shiva.
- It is believed to have preserved footprints of Goddess Sita.
- It is one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance.
Why in news?
- PM Modi offered prayers at Veerabhadra temple in Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh.
