Pattadakal

Pattadakal stands as an epitome for Chalukyan architecture.It was once capital for Chalukyas.There are many small shrines along with major shrines in the Pattadakal complex.You can see four Nagara style temples as well as four Dravidian style temples and one a fusion of both styles.


1.Virupaksha temple


Style:Dravidian




Built by :Lokamahadevi


Reason:To commemorate the victory of her husband Vikramaditya II over pallavas of kanchi.


What one can see:It's mainly shaiva temple and all the pillars outside prahara are engraved with stories related to Shiva.Even some pillar has Vishnu,harihara,shiva and Parvathi reliefs etc.There is a large nandhi shrine facing the north of this temple.


2.Mallikarjuna temple


Style:Dravidian


Built by :TriLokyamahadevi


Reason:It's also built to commemorate the victory of her husband Vikramaditya II over pallavas of kanchi.


What one can see:Pillars inside mantapa has stories of Mahabharata,Ramayana and many moral stories.It's smaller in size compared to Virupaksha but inside temple speaks a lot with your eyes.Whereas Virupaksha temple's outer prahara speaks lot to us.


These are the two main temples am attracted to








3.Galaganatha Temple


Style:Nagara


This temple is incomplete but shows Nagara style


4.Jambulinga temple and Kadasiddheshwara temple


Situated behind the Galaganatha temple.


Style:Nagara


5.Sangameshwara temple

It's the oldest temple in Pattadakal.


To read more,please check out Ancient India page.