Location - Karnataka
Best Time To Visit - October to February
Pattadakal is located in the state of Karnataka. The best form of art and
architecture that existed during the Chalukya dynasty has been displayed
here in the Group of Monuments at Pattadakal. The monuments showcase a fine
blend of architectural style of northern as well as southern India. The
monuments at Pattadakal has been declared as a World Heritage Site,
consisting of a group of ten major temples, each surpassing the other in
architectural beauty.
Temples
in Pattadakal
The monuments of Pattadakal were constructed around 7th and 8th centuries.
Temples of Pattadakal are a combination of the Rekha Nagara Prasada and the
Dravida Vimana form of temple construction. Pattadakal comprises a wonderful
series of Hindu temples and a Jain sanctuary. The oldest of the temples
group here is the Sangamesvara temple which was built by Vijayaditya
Satyasraya.
The first of the wonderful temples that you will get to see in the complex
are the 8th century Kaddi Siddesvara Temple and the Galaganatha Shrine. The
Mallikarjuna and Virupaksha temples were built by two queens of Vikramaditya
II. They were constructed to mark the win of the Chalukyas over Pallavas.
The Virupaksha temple, built by Queen Lokamahadevi, was previously called
as Lokeshwara. The temple is a fine example of the southern Dravidan
architectural style. The Jambulinga Temple boasts of a dancing image of the
Hindu God, Shiva. He is shown together with his bull, Nandi and wife,
Parvati. This temple is a fine example of the northern style of
architecture.
A couple of other significant temples within the complex include the
Chandrashekhara and Kadasideeshwara temples.These two are well known for
their architecture. Outside the complex and presently under restoration is
the Rastrakuta Jain Temple. This temple stands on the bank of the Malaprabha
( Tungabhadra River).
Feather to the Cap
The Group Of Monuments at Pattadakal were designated the status of UNESCO
World Heritage Site in the year 1987. These monuments mark the zenith of the
art and architecture during the Chalukya dynasty.
