Group Of Monuments In Pattadakal

Listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, the Group of Monuments at Pattadakal are treasures of the bygone days of Karnataka. Built by Chalukyas in the 7th and 8th centuries, the monuments showcase the magnificent prowess of art and architecture.

The historic remains, narrate the tales of Chalukyas, who were not just rulers but also great patrons of art. Present in the complex is impressive series of nine Hindu temples, as well as a Jain sanctuary. The masterpiece of the complex is the Temple of Virupaksha. It dates back to the year 740. It was testimony to Queen Lokamahadevi's husband’s victory over the kings from the South.

Marvel at the fine sculptures of navagrahas, dikpalas, the dancing Nataraja, wall niches as well narrative reliefs. Also, learn about episodes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata, and Panchatantra at Pattadakal, one of the best historical monuments in Karnataka.

Temples in Pattadakal

Virupaksha Temple

The temple was built by Queen Loka Mahadevi, wife of King Vikramaditya II after the successful military campaigns in Kancheepuram. The temple has a vast quadrangle surrounded by small cells or shrines. It has a massive gateway and a small gate behind it. At the entrance is a Nandimantapa supported by large pillars. The great hall of the temple has a roof that rests on 16 massive square columns arranged in 4 rows. These columns have excellently wrought episodes from the Puranas. It is believed that the Kailasa Temple at Ellora was built on the model of the Virupaksha Temple.

Mallikarjuna Temple

It was originally called the Trailokeswara Maha Saila Prasada and was built around 740 AD by Queen Trailokya Mahadevi. Architecturally, almost like a twin of Virupaksha Temple, the Mallikarjuna temple was built for the same purpose, at the same time as Virupaksha temple which stands beside it. The inner walls are engraved with episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Sangameswara Temple

The Sangameshwara Temple, built during the reign of King Vijayaditya, is the earliest. It has a garbha griha with a Dravida vimana. The outer walls of the sanctum have sculptures of UgraNarasimha and Nataraja.

Galaganatha Temple

The Galaganatha Temple is a dilapidated temple of the 8th Century AD and has a northern-style curvilinear shikhara. The shikhara has all amalaka motifs with a finial atop. This is a Shiva temple with a Shivalinga in black basalt.

Kashi Visweshwara Temple
This is another temple with a curvilinear shikhara. The inner ceiling of the Kashi Visweshwara temple has the figures of Shiva, Parvathi, and child Skanda surrounded by the Dikpalas.

Papanatha Temple
The Papanatha Temple mentioned as ‘Mukteshwara’, seems to have been completed around 740 AD. It has a frontal mantapa, sabhamantapa, ante-chamber and a squarish garbhagriha. The architecture of this temple is a mixture of Dravida and Nagara styles.

Jambulinga Temple
This is a small temple behind the Galaganatha Temple with a curvilinear shikhara. Its outer walls have figures of Vishnu, Ardhanarishwara, and Lakulisha.

Kadasiddeshwara Temple
This is similar in design to the Jambulinga Temple. The entrance lintel has beautiful images of Shiva and Parvathi seated on a Nandi, flanked by Brahma and Vishnu.

Jain Temple
Outside the town is a huge Jain Basadi built in the 9th century AD. This temple has been constructed in Rashtrakuta style with huge elephants welcoming the visitors at the entrance.

History of Group of Monuments in Pattadakal

Pattadakal was the second capital of the Chalukyan Empire after Badami. More than that, it was also the ceremonial center where kings were crowned and commemorated. It was never a part of any town or village though it was on the banks of the Malaprabha River.

It seems while most of the building activity took place at Badami, the political capital, Pattadakal was the dynastic cult center of the Badami Chalukyas. The earliest temples of Pattadakal are from the 4th century AD and the addition of new temples continued there for around four more centuries. The latest architecture is a Jain temple of the Rashtrakuta period (9th century).