Pattadakal is a
world heritage site in Karnataka, and is situated on the bank of the Malaprabha
River in Bagalkot district, located in close proximity to the township of
Aihole and the temple city of Badami.
Pattadakal was also a Chalukya stronghold, housing a number of
beautifully constructed monuments. This town is famous not only for magnificent
Chalukyan creations but was also a holy site as the Royal coronation was held
here. In 1987, UNESCO placed Pattadakal on its list of World Heritage sites.
One can visit
this town via air, rail or road. The nearest airport is Belgaum, where airline
from Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai operate flights. Badami is the closest rail
head, with trains from Solapur and Ahmedabad arriving here. State tourist buses
operate regular buses to Pattadakal from Bijapur, Bengaluru, Hubli and Belgaum.
A few places of
interest in Pattadakal are outlined as follows.
Patadkkal temple complex
Attraction: Blend
of Nagara and Dravidian style temple architecture
Built in the
early eighth century, the temples in Pattadakal are a result of the Chalukya
experimentation on temple architecture. The temple complex is a finely woven
artistic web of the Dravidian or Southern style of temple architecture and the
Nagara or the Northern style of temple architecture. Also famous are the
temples including a Jain sanctuary, surrounded by a number of plinths and
shrines, an experimental fusion of various architectural styles of the country.
The town is famous for Chalukya art and temple inscriptions. The biggest temple
in the complex is the Virupaksha, enclosed by a large Prakara. Historians who
have deciphered the inscriptions believe that the temple was built by
Lokamahadevi, the famous consort of King Vikramaditya to commemorate his
victories over the Pallava Kings and his occupation of Kanchi.
Sangameshwara Temple
Attraction:
Oldest temple in Pattadakal
Previously known
as Vijayewara, the Sangameshwara temple is the oldest temple in the Pattadakal
temple complex. A grand structure, with the outer walls painted and carved with
the figurines of Lords Nataraja and Ugranarasimha.
The Mallikarjuna Temple
Attraction: An
edifice built to honour King Vikramaditya II
This temple is an
architectural wonder, albeit a smaller version of the Virupaksha temple. Built
by the second queen of King Vikramaditya II, the temple was constructed by Rani
Trilokyamahadevi in 745 AD in honour of her King's victory over the Pallavas.
The temple was built immediately after the construction of the Virupaksha
temple and in close proximity to it. This temple, though small is very
beautiful and attests the skill and craftsmanship of the sculptors of the age.
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Other noteworthy
temples in the complex include the Kashivisvanatha Temple, the Kadasiddhesvara
and Jambulingeswara temples, the Galganatha temple and a Jain Temple.
Sculpture Gallery
Attraction:
Storehouse of sculptures
This gallery is
maintained by the Archaeological survey of India within the temple complex and
houses finely carved artefacts from the period of King Vikramaditya.
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Entry Fee: Entry
fee for those above 12 years is Rs. 5.00, free entry on Fridays.
Visit the
Pattadakal temple complex to witness the splendour and magnificence of the
Kings of the South.
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