Pattadakal, situated in Karnataka, under the Chalukya Dynasty, achieved a harmonious blend of architectural forms from the north and south of India. There is an impressive series of nine Hindu temples, as well as a Jain sanctuary. The sculptural art of the early Chalukyas is characterised by grace and delicate details. The narrative reliefs illustrate various episodes from the great Hindu epics – Ramayana and Mahabharata, from the holy book – Bhagavata and tales of Panchatantra.
An impressive series of nine Hindu temples, as well as a Jain sanctuary can be seen there. Four of the temples here are in the south Indian Dravidian architectural style while four are in the north Indian Nagara style while Papanatha temple exhibits a hybrid style.
The oldest temple at Pattadakal is the Sangamesvara Temple built by Vijayaditya Satyasraya (A.D. 697-733) is a simple but a massive structure. The Temple of Virupaksha, built around 740 A.D. by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband’s victory over the kings from the south is a masterpiece in itself.
Jambulinga Temple
Another small temple with a fine figure of the Dancing Shiva with Nandi & Parvathi by his side. Built with a northern style tower, there is a horse-shoe arched projection on its facade.
Virupaksha Temple
The Mallikarjuna & the Virupaksha temples were built by two queens of Vikaramaditya II to commemorate the victory of the Chalukyas over the Pallavas. As the Virupakshatemple was built by Queen Lokamahadevi, it was originally called Lokeshwara. The temple is rich in sculpture like those of Lingodbhava, Nataraja, Ravananugraha & Ugranarasimha. Built in the southern Dravida style, it is the largesttemple in the enclosure.
Jain Temple
Half a Kilometer from the enclosure, on the Pattadakal-Badami Road, is this Jain temple built in the Dravidian style. It has some very beautiful sculpture & probably dates from the ninth century.
