Places to see in Pattadakal

There are various factors that render identity to a place. These can be culture, traditions, or the style of architecture that is simply beyond reckon. Pattadakal in Karnataka is one just place filled with historical facades that date back as early as the time of the 7th and 8th century. Theses have stood the test of time and the elements and at the same also served as beacons of faith to many. Apart from that the ecology of this place is immaculate blessed and endowed with quaint beauty.  This temple city has a rich cultural and architectural heritage that is waiting to be explored.



Hence the places to see in Pattadakal are:

Virupaksh Temple- This temple is considered as one of the most important tourist’s destinations and places of worship in the temple town of Pattadakal. Renowned as the temple of the victorious Chalukya, this temple has a deep history and is known for its distinctive architectural style. The temple structure exhibits the architectural prowess and capability of the Chalukya Empire. Modeled after the Kailasanathar Temple of Kanchi, the Virupaksh temple was built commemorating the victory of the victory of the Chalukya over the Pallavas who ruled the city of Kancheepuram.  The temple is known for depiction of the Lord Shiva in his forms of Lingodbhava, Natraja, and Ravananugraha. The highpoint of the temple is the statue of the Lord Shiva as Ugranarishama. Pilgrims flock to te temple with deep fervor and devotion. For tourist this place epitomizes divinity in the finest forms of the material being and also a preferred place for those who are interested in the study of history. The 18 pillars in the temple has carvings depicting scenes from the puranas in each of them. There are also carvings of Ravananugrahamurthy, Narasimha, Gajendramoksham, the dance of Shiva.

Mallikarjuna Temple- This temple can also be called as the prototype to the Virupaksh temple. This temple is also situated within the temple complex of the Virupaksh temple. Dedicated for the favors received to the royal family, this temple was constructed Trilokyamahadevi, the second wife of Queen Vikramaditya the VI. The temple is also known for its distinctive and captivating style of temple architecture.  The interiors of the temples are specially adorning with paintings and depiction form the like of the Saints and from Holy Scripture. The panels of the temple ceiling have paintings of Gajalakshmi with Natraja and Paravati Devi. The inner walls of the sanctum and the pillars depict stories pertaining to the life and the birth of Lord Krishna.  The temple has also distinctive sculptures of Mahishasuramardini & Ugranarasimha. Pilgrims flock to the temple and experience a deep healing and also come for a spiritual reorientation. This is a heritage temple site and hence tourists also come here and are welcomed various facets of the temple and its style of construction.

Sangameshwara temple- Pattadakal can be truly asserted as the cities that are known for the temples city in the region of Southern India.  The Sangameshwara temple is a shrine of religious fervor and devotion and is one of the most renowned and most visited places of worship.  This is also one of the oldest temples in the region dating back to the times of the 8th century.  The temple situated on the banks of the river Malaprabha is one of the quaint locations in the entire city. The temple is also known for its distinctive architectural style. In Karnataka, temples that are found are all known for their architectural style as each temple puts for ward a school of thought that is completely different. Apart from that the temple is also is an excellent example of craftsmanship and detailing that is exhibited in every element of the structure of this temple.  Apart from religious fervor this place also has a distinctive characteristic of being the place of the king’s coronation. The extensive doorway to the temple welcomes tourists. Within the Temple, premises there are a number of descriptions that date to times. The temple is also an example of the times when people were really devoted and staunch in their observance and practice of the faith.

Kashivishveshvarayya Temple- This is also an important temple in the temple town of Pattadakal. This temple is also one of the last temple that was constructed by the kings of the Chalukya dynasty. This temple also exhibits the style and the fine style of craftsmanship and keen understanding of temple construction. Built in Nagara style of construction this temple was completed by the Rashtrakutas.

Galagnath Temple- Dedicated to the lord Shiva, this Galagnath temple is also an important temple in the town of Pattadakal. This temple is also considered a marvel of architecture for its unique execution and construction of the tower that is adds to the pristine beauty of this place of worship.  This temple was built at an earlier time under the tenure and the reign of King Vikramaditya II.

Kaddasiddheswara temple- Dedicated and constructed in the memory and this is one of the first temples in the temple city. Built in the accordance with the Nagara style of construction. Compared to the other temples this is one of the smallest temples in the city. This is also one of the first temples to be built and is often regarded as the first experiment in temple making by the Chalukya Empire. But this temple too is significant with its façade and intent that can be seen in the style of construction.  This is also one fo the first temple in the region to exhibit the Nagara style of construction.

Jain temples- The Jain temple of Pattadakal are also a must visit for tourists and pilgrims to the city of Pattadakal.  This Jain Place of worship was constructed by the Rashtrakutas of Manyaketas. Built in the Dravidian style of construction.

Papanatha temple- This temple is constructed in distinctive Nagara style of construction. There are beautiful sculptures here depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. This temple has many similarities with the Navabrahma temples in Alampur, Andhra Pradesh, which were also built by Badami Chalukya.

Faith is at its zenith in the temples of Pattadakal. The reason for this being that faith was the corner stone of many of the magnificent constructions in the town. Faith was deep and spiritual and observances to were in the true earnest. Hence the temple town of Pattadakal was just temple or magincifient structure but have a deep significance that cannot be articulated.