Pattadakal
Place Details: Pattadakal is a small village in Bagalkot district that holds immense historical significance as the "Place of Coronation" for the Chalukya kings. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its complex of 7th and 8th-century temples that represent the pinnacle of Chalukyan art. The site is uniquely situated on the banks of the Malaprabha River, where the river turns northwards, considered a holy direction. Pattadakal is renowned for its harmonious blend of architectural styles from both North and South India. The complex includes nine Hindu temples and one Jain Narayana temple, each showcasing different structural experiments. The most famous is the Virupaksha Temple, built by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband's victory. These temples served as a laboratory for later temple architecture in the Deccan region. The site remains remarkably well-preserved under the Archaeological Survey of India. Walking through the complex feels like traveling back to the Golden Age of the Chalukyas. :
General information
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Ideal Duration:
4-6 HoursPlace Type:
Archaeological & HeritageEntry Fees:
Entry Fees: Adults (Indian) 40 INR per person for entry into the main monument complex.
Foreigners: 600 INR for international tourists; SAARC and BIMSTEC citizens pay the same as Indians.
Digital Payment: T...Entry Fees: Adults (Indian) 40 INR per person for entry into the main monument complex.
Foreigners: 600 INR for international tourists; SAARC and BIMSTEC citizens pay the same as Indians.
Digital Payment: There is often a discount for tickets booked online via the ASI portal.
:Timing:
Timings:
Regular
Timings: The complex is open from sunrise to sunset (typically 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM).
Best Visit Time: Early morning at 7:30 AM is best for soft lighting and pe...Timings:
Regular
Timings: The complex is open from sunrise to sunset (typically 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM).
Best Visit Time: Early morning at 7:30 AM is best for soft lighting and peaceful exploration.
:Special Events:
Special Event:
Pattadakal Dance Festival: A major cultural festival in January featuring classical dance performances against the temple backdrop.
Banashankari Jatre: A nearby fair in January/February that dr...Special Event:
Pattadakal Dance Festival: A major cultural festival in January featuring classical dance performances against the temple backdrop.
Banashankari Jatre: A nearby fair in January/February that draws thousands of local villagers.
:Best Photo Spots:
Best Photo Spots:
Virupaksha Entrance: The massive Nandi pavilion and the main tower provide a grand architectural shot.
Temple Cluster: A wide-angle shot from the corner of the garden captures multiple spire...Best Photo Spots:
Virupaksha Entrance: The massive Nandi pavilion and the main tower provide a grand architectural shot.
Temple Cluster: A wide-angle shot from the corner of the garden captures multiple spires in one frame.
Sunset Glow: The sandstone turns a beautiful golden-orange color during the late afternoon.
:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
The Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the largest, most ornate, and architecturally complete masterpiece in the Pattadakal group of monuments, representing the absolute zenith of Early Chalukyan art and the climax of the Dravidian architectural style at the site. It was built around 740-745 CE by Queen Lokamahadevi, the chief queen of Chalukya King Vikramaditya II, to commemorate his repeated military victories, especially over the Pallavas of Kanchipuram. Originally named Lokeshvara after the queen, the temple's construction is believed to have employed architects and artisans from Kanchipuram, bringing a sophisticated South Indian style to the Deccan and potentially serving as the inspiration for the colossal Kailasa Temple at Ellora. The temple is a fully functional and active place of worship, which contributes to its vibrant atmosphere. It is characterized by an imposing three-story, stepped pyramidal tower (Vimana), a massive gateway (Gopura), and a huge pillared hall (Mandapa). The interior pillars and external walls are lavishly decorated with intricate carvings that depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the lives of Shiva (including a dynamic Nataraja carving) and Vishnu. The huge, polished black stone Nandi sculpture in a separate pavilion facing the main shrine is another key highlight. The temple's sheer scale, exquisite detailing, and living religious use cement its status as the most important monument in Pattadakal. (Word Count: Approx. 396 words):
The Galaganatha Temple, dating back to the first half of the 8th century, is a significant monument dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a beautiful representation of the North Indian or Rekha-Nagara style of architecture, which is one of the four Nagara style temples in Pattadakal. Built during the reign of the Chalukya King Vikramaditya II, it features a well-preserved curvilinear tower (Shikhara) that strikingly resembles the temples at Alampur in Andhra Pradesh, suggesting the influence of the same group of artisans or a shared architectural school of the time. While much of the original temple structure, like the hall (Mandapa) and entrance porch (Mukhamandapa), is now in ruins with only the plinth remaining, the core sanctuary (Garbhagriha) and its superstructure stand as a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of the Early Chalukyas. The temple is celebrated for its elaborate relief work, most notably a powerful and dynamically sculpted panel on the southern wall of Shiva slaying the demon Andhakasura (Andhakasuravadhamurti), often considered one of the finest sculptures in the complex, depicting the deity with eight arms in a ferocious yet graceful pose, a visual treat for art and history enthusiasts. The temple's modest size, coupled with its intricate detailing, offers a more intimate and distinct experience compared to the larger Dravidian style temples in the cluster, underscoring Pattadakal's role as an architectural testing ground. The presence of a Shivalinga inside the sanctum confirms its enduring dedication to the Hindu deity. The surrounding area, now a well-maintained lawn, suggests the former presence of more structures that have not withstood the passage of time. The blend of devotion and artistry makes this temple a crucial stop in the heritage tour. (Word Count: Approx. 398 words):
@@Place Details: The Durga Temple in Aihole is a magnificent 7th-century structure renowned for its unique apsidal or "Gajaprastha" (elephant-back) shape. Despite its name, it was originally dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) or Vishnu, but later served as a "Durg" or fortress, hence the name. It represents the pinnacle of Chalukyan experimentation, blending North Indian Nagara and South Indian Dravida styles. The temple stands on a high plinth and features an exquisite pillared corridor for circumambulation. Its walls are adorned with intricate sculptures of Shiva, Vishnu, and Durga in various avatars. The temple's sophisticated design reflects the transition from rock-cut architecture to structural stone temples. It remains the most photographed monument in the Aihole region due to its distinct semi-circular rear. Visitors often spend hours admiring the ceiling panels featuring the Nagaraja and Matsya Chakra. The surrounding complex includes several other smaller shrines, making it a hub of historical study. This temple is a key part of the UNESCO tentative list.
The Kashi Vishwanatha Temple is a mid-sized shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the last Hindu temples built within the main Pattadakal complex, likely dating to the mid-8th century CE. Historically, its patronage has been debated, sometimes attributed to the Chalukyas and at other times to the succeeding Rashtrakuta dynasty, marking the end of the great temple-building era in Pattadakal. Constructed in the Nagara (North Indian) style, only the main sanctum (Garbhagriha) and the vestibule (Antarala) remain standing today, as the main hall (Mandapa) has completely collapsed, with its decorative pillars scattered around. Despite its ruined state, the surviving architectural and sculptural elements are of high quality and immense historical value. The temple houses a black stone Shivalinga in its square sanctuary. The temple is especially noteworthy for the detailed narrative carvings found on its remaining pillars, which depict vibrant scenes from Hindu mythology, including the marriage of Shiva and Parvati (Kalyanasundara) and episodes from the Bhagavata Purana (like Krishna Leela), offering a visual treatise on the religious stories popular during that period. Its location adjacent to the larger Mallikarjuna Temple emphasizes the close proximity and thematic grouping of the monuments, serving as a testament to the concentrated period of artistic and religious innovation that took place in this sacred site. (Word Count: Approx. 396 words):
@@Place Details: The Akka-Mahadevi Temple, often associated with the larger Virupaksha Temple complex in Pattadakal, is a testament to the patronage of royal women. Built around 740 CE by Queen Lokamahadevi, it was intended to commemorate the victory of her husband, King Vikramaditya II, over the Pallavas. This temple is a masterpiece of the Dravida style, showcasing the maturity of the Chalukyan school of architecture. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features a sanctum, a vestibule, and a large pillared hall. The exterior walls are decorated with niches containing sculptures of deities like Lingodbhava and Nataraja. The temple's placement on the banks of the Malaprabha River adds to its spiritual and aesthetic appeal. It represents the high point of eclectic art where Southern and Northern styles found a harmonious blend. The name "Akka-Mahadevi" is sometimes used locally to honor the queen's religious devotion and contribution. It remains a functional site for worship and a primary attraction within the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Mallikarjuna Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a majestic structure built in the Dravidian style, remarkably similar in design, scale, and detailing to its larger neighbor, the Virupaksha Temple. It was commissioned around the same time in the 8th century CE (c. 745 CE) by Trilokyamahadevi, the younger queen of Chalukya King Vikramaditya II, to commemorate his third victory over the Pallavas of Kanchipuram. The original name of the temple was Trilokyeshwara, named after the Queen who sponsored its construction. This temple is a quintessential example of the mature Dravidian architecture of the Early Chalukyas, featuring a square-plan sanctuary, an imposing tiered pyramidal superstructure (Vimana), and an extensive pillared hall (Mandapa). Its construction is believed to have inspired or influenced the later great temples of South India. The pillars inside the hall are richly carved with scenes from the great Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as well as popular fables from the Panchatantra and Kiratarjuniya. A notable relief carving in the porch depicts the powerful scene of Narasimha, the man-lion avatar of Lord Vishnu, slaying the demon Hiranyakashipu. The temple complex, though slightly smaller than Virupaksha, shares the same high artistic quality and historical significance, forming a crucial part of the Dravidian group of temples in Pattadakal. (Word Count: Approx. 396 words):
The Kadasiddeshwara Temple is a magnificent 7th-century structure that serves as the introductory monument for visitors entering the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pattadakal. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and represents the early experiments of the Chalukya dynasty in the Nagara or Northern Indian style of temple building. Though small in size compared to its neighbors like the Virupaksha Temple, it holds immense historical value as it showcases the transition from rock-cut architecture to structural stone masonry. The temple is built on an elevated platform and features a square sanctum (Garbhagriha) with a small vestibule (Antarala) leading into a compact hall. Its exterior is adorned with intricate carvings that depict various forms of Shiva, including Ardhanarishvara and Harihara, which remain remarkably preserved despite the passage of centuries. This site provides a quiet, spiritual atmosphere where one can admire the "Rekha-Nagara" shikhara, characterized by its curvilinear tower. It reflects the religious devotion of the Badami Chalukyas who chose this location on the banks of the Malaprabha River for their royal coronations. Visiting this temple allows you to witness the very roots of the architectural evolution that eventually influenced temple designs across the Indian subcontinent.Show All
The Sangameshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (originally known as Vijayeshwara after the king), is the oldest temple in the main Pattadakal complex, with its construction initiated by the Chalukya King Vijayaditya Satyashraya around 720 AD. It stands as one of the finest and most crucial examples of the early Dravidian Vimana style, showcasing the nascent stages of the architectural form that reached its peak in the adjacent Virupaksha and Mallikarjuna temples. Although the temple's construction was never fully completed—it was left unfinished after Vijayaditya's death—the existing structure is imposing and remarkably well-preserved, comprising a square-plan sanctuary (Garbhagriha) with an inner circumambulatory path (Pradakshinapatha), an antechamber (Antarala), and a large pillared hall (Mandapa). Its simple elegance and lack of the overwhelming later ornamentation seen in the other temples allow for a clearer appreciation of the core Dravidian architectural principles. The temple's exterior walls feature niches (Devakoshtas) with sculptures of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva in various forms, while the pillars inside are adorned with relief work, though less profusely than its later counterparts. As the first major Dravidian structure at the site, it is a foundation stone of the Pattadakal architectural school and holds immense historical and spiritual value. (Word Count: Approx. 396 words):Information
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Why Famous:
Why Famous:
UNESCO Site: Recognized globally for its exceptional 8th-century temple architecture and cultural value.
Coronation Site: Historically, this was the sacred ground where the Badami Chalukya kings w...Why Famous:
UNESCO Site: Recognized globally for its exceptional 8th-century temple architecture and cultural value.
Coronation Site: Historically, this was the sacred ground where the Badami Chalukya kings were crowned.
Artistic Fusion: One of the rare places where North Indian and South Indian temple styles coexist.
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Architecture:
Place Architecture:
Dimension: The Virupaksha Temple is the largest, with a massive Vimana (spire) and a large courtyard measuring approximately 120 by 120 feet. The architecture is a fusion of Nagara (North Indian) and Dravida (South Indian...Place Architecture:
Dimension: The Virupaksha Temple is the largest, with a massive Vimana (spire) and a large courtyard measuring approximately 120 by 120 feet. The architecture is a fusion of Nagara (North Indian) and Dravida (South Indian) styles. The temples are built of sandstone, featuring massive pillars, intricately carved ceilings, and detailed relief work on walls. The Papanatha Temple is a famous example of the Vesara style, which mixes both traditions.
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How To Reach:
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Hubli Airport, located about 130 km away from the heritage site.
By Train: Badami Railway Station (22 km) is the closest railhead, connected to Gadag and Hubli. -
Near Tourist Places:
Badami Caves (22km), Aihole (13km), Mahakuta (15km), Banashankari (25km), Almatti Dam (45km), Bijapur (130km), Hubli (110km), Hampi (140km), Gadag (80km), Kudalasangama (50km)
Tourism Tips
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Tourism Tips:
Health & Safety: Carry plenty of water and a hat as there is very little shade within the temple complex.
Packing: Wear light cotton clothes and comfortable walking shoes; sunblock is highly re...
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