The oldest temples of Andhra Pradesh are Tirupati Venkateswara Temple and the Kalahasteeswara Temple that date back to the pre-Christian times. The Chalukyas of Badami built the 6th century Alampur Bhrama temples that are excellent examples of Chalukyan art and sculpture. The Kakatiyas ruling from Warangal succeeded the later Chalukyas and constructed several beautiful temples during their reign from 11th to 14th centuries. These temples show a opulent display of intricate and elaborate sculptural work. The northeastern region of Andhra Pradesh under the rule of the Ganga Kings, show distinct impressions of Orissan temple architectural style in its shrines. The Vijayanagar Empire contribute the fanours Sree Sailam temple and the richly-decorated Lepakshi temples that have flat stuccoed granite ceilings prevalent at those times and beautiful frescos. Thus, the Andhra Pradesh temples are a testimony to the twists and turns of the history of the state and the the patronage of various kingdoms that took it under its wing such as the Cholas and Pallavas of Tamilnadu, the Chalukyas of Deccan, the Eastern Gangas and the Vijayanagar Kings. The reference of some of the ancient temples can be found in the songs and compositions of great author-saints of Tamil Nadu including saints of both Alwar (Vaishnavite) and Nayanmar (Saivite) sects of Hinduism.