Virupaksha 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.