Pattadakal, located on the banks of the Malaprabha River in Bagalkot, Karnataka, is a UNESCO-recognized site renowned for its brilliant display of Chalukyan architectural mastery.
This historic temple, dating back to the seventh and eighth centuries throughout the reign of the Badami Chalukyas, showcases a stunning fusion of North indian (Nagara) and South indian (Dravidian) architectural styles.
Each temple within Pattadakal tells its own particular tale, carved in stone and devoted to deities along with shiva, Vishnu, and Jain Tirthankaras, all reflecting centuries of religious devotion. Whether or not you're a records fanatic, a structure lover, or a pilgrim following ancient paths, these 10 temples offer an unprecedented window into India's rich temple heritage.
# Virupaksha Temple
Virupaksha temple is the most difficult and nicely preserved monument in Pattadakal. Built to commemorate king Vikramaditya II's conquest of the Pallavas, the temple—designed by queen Lokamahadevi—later prompted the iconic Kailasa temple in Ellora.
The temple's walls are adorned with certain friezes depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, at the same time as the inner sanctum houses a shiva Linga. The large Nandi pavilion faces the shrine, and tricky carvings of river goddesses, celestial beings, and diverse sorts of shiva embellish the shape.
Why visit: It is the finest example of South indian temple design and sculpture under Chalukya patronage.
# Mallikarjuna Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva
constructed with the aid of queen Trilokamahadevi
Architectural style: Dravidian, a smaller model of Virupaksha Temple
Situated next to the Virupaksha temple, the Mallikarjuna temple, hooked up by way of queen Trilokamahadevi, mirrors the design of its larger counterpart, even though it is smaller in size. The symmetrical layout, ornate ceilings, and ornamental pillars, along with the distinct carvings on the tower, showcase Chalukyan craftsmanship.
Journey Tip: Visit at dawn or sunset for beautiful lights on the crimson sandstone carvings.
# Papanatha Temple
The Papanatha temple is known for its experimental structure, believed to be constructed in advance of most temples at Pattadakal. It features a long, pillared corridor adorned with carvings from Hindu epics and a sanctum with a shiva Linga.
Exciting fact: The name "Papanatha" indicates a connection to liberation from sins, making it a religious cleaning space.
# Sangameshwara Temple
devoted to Lord Shiva
constructed by way of king Vijayaditya (round 720 CE)
Architectural fashion: Dravidian
One of the earliest temples built with the aid of the Chalukyas in Pattadakal, this grand temple—at first named Vijayeshwara Temple—displays a mature shape of Dravidian architecture. Despite the fact that incomplete, it features ambitious carvings and grand systems just like the large sanctum and pillared navaranga (most important corridor).
Do not miss the lion motifs and dwarapalas (gatekeepers) decorating the temple partitions.
# Chandrashekhara Temple
devoted to: Lord shiva (as Chandrashekhara)
Architectural style: simple South indian design
Unique feature: a small sanctum and porch
Not like the grander temples, the Chandrashekhara temple is minimalistic, providing a tranquil environment with only a sanctum and a small porch.
Best for: meditation or a quiet second away from crowds.
# Galaganatha Temple
devoted to Lord shiva (as Galaganatha)
Architectural fashion: Rekhanagara (Nagara fashion)
capabilities: elaborate ceiling carvings, friezes, and depictions of river goddesses
Even though partially ruined, the Galaganatha temple stands proud for its high-quality carvings and the precise Nagara-fashion tower, in evaluation to the Dravidian temples close by.
# Jambulinga Temple
devoted to Lord Shiva
Architectural fashion: Rekhanagara with a small mandapa
unique features: Depictions of shiva with Parvati and Nandi
This modest temple features a square sanctum and delicate sculptures, which include an amazing comfort of shiva with Parvati and Nandi, and vishnu as Narasimha.
Nice for those in search of elaborate art in a compact space.
# Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Dedicated to Lord shiva (as Vishwanatha)
Architectural fashion: North indian Nagara style
Highlights: fashionable shikhara and sanctum with a shiva Linga
Constructed at some point during the Rashtrakuta duration, this temple brings the essence of Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath to the south, with its ornate shikhara and diffused detailing.
Pilgrimage perception: it's often a part of religious circuits connecting Pattadakal, Badami, and Aihole.
# Jain Narayana Temple
devoted to Jain Tirthankaras
Built through Rashtrakuta king Krishna II (9th century)
Architectural fashion: Dravidian with Jain effects
This temple, positioned at the east side of Pattadakal, showcases Jain iconography, which includes Tirthankara figures. It displays the inclusive spiritual environment of the Chalukyan rulers, who promoted non-secular pluralism.
Tip for Cultural Explorers: Look at the pillars and ceiling carvings for Jain iconography.
# Kadasiddheshwara Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva
Architectural fashion: Early Nagara
First-rate Carvings: Ardhanarishvara and Nataraja
Though smaller, the Kadasiddheshwara temple features sizeable depictions of shiva in composite bureaucracy, inclusive of Ardhanarishvara (Shiva and Parvati as one) and Nataraja (Shiva as the cosmic dancer).
Best for researchers and non-secular seekers inquisitive about early temple artwork experimentation.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel