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About Pattadakal Temple Complex
Pattadakal (also known as Pattadakallu or Raktapura) is one of the most iconic temple complexes of India, located on the west bank of the Malaprabha River in the Bagalkot district of northern Karnataka.
Dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries CE, Pattadakal is home to a cluster of Hindu and Jain temples that mark the zenith of Chalukyan art and architecture. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is currently protected and managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Location and Accessibility
Pattadakal lies at the heart of the Malaprabha Valley, often called the cradle of Chalukyan architecture. It is situated about 23 km from Badami and 9.7 km from Aihole, two other significant centers of early temple construction. The Malaprabha River flows northwards here, a rare phenomenon in peninsular India, and is revered in Hindu tradition as the Uttarvahini Ganga, adding a sacred aura to the site.
Travelers can reach Pattadakal via road from Bagalkot (35 km), or by rail at Badami station on the Hubballi–Solapur line. The nearest airports are Hubballi and Belagavi (Sambra Airport), making the site accessible from Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad.
History
The name Pattadakal literally translates to “Stone of Coronation”, signifying its role as the ceremonial ground for Chalukya dynasty coronations, including that of King Vinayaditya in the 7th century CE. Other historical names include Kisuvolal and Pattada-Kisuvolal. Together with Aihole and Badami, Pattadakal formed a powerful cultural and architectural hub, where experimentation in temple design flourished.
The complex became a melting pot where northern (Nagara) and southern (Dravida) architectural traditions merged seamlessly. After the Chalukyas, the site continued to attract patronage from the Rashtrakutas and the Later Chalukyas, with new temples being added between the 9th and 12th centuries CE. Despite invasions by the Delhi Sultanate in the 14th century, Pattadakal remained significant under the Vijayanagara Empire, and later passed under the control of the Bijapur Sultanate, Mughals, Marathas, and eventually the British. Archaeological findings at Bachinnagudda nearby also reveal Iron Age dolmens and megalithic monuments, suggesting the valley’s ritual and cultural significance long before the Chalukyas.
Architectural Style and Temples
The temples of Pattadakal are celebrated for their unique fusion of Dravidian vimana and Nagara shikhara styles, a balance that UNESCO describes as “eclectic art at its peak.” The complex consists of ten major temples—nine Hindu and one Jain—along with numerous smaller shrines.
The Hindu temples are primarily dedicated to Shiva, though they also carry elements of Vaishnavism (Vishnu) and Shaktism (goddess traditions). Their friezes narrate stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata Purana, transforming the temples into visual scriptures.
Sangameshwara Temple: The oldest structure (697–733 CE), dedicated to Shiva, built in the Dravidian style. Excavations suggest an even earlier brick temple beneath.
Virupaksha Temple: The grandest and most sophisticated monument, commissioned by Queen Lokamahadevi around 740 CE to commemorate Vikramaditya II’s victory over the Pallavas. Its carvings reflect Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and epic narratives. This temple, inspired by the Kailasanatha temple of Kanchipuram, became a model for later South Indian temples including the Kailasa temple at Ellora.
Mallikarjuna (Trailokeshwara) Temple: Built by Queen Trailokyamahadevi, sister of Lokamahadevi, it closely mirrors Virupaksha in design but with subtle architectural differences.
Papanatha Temple: Stands apart from the main cluster, displaying a novel blend of Nagara and Dravida forms, richly decorated with Ramayana panels.
Galaganatha Temple: A pure Nagara temple, modeled on the Svarga Brahma Temple of Alampur.
Kadasiddheshwara, Jambulingeshwara, and Chandrashekhara Temples: Smaller shrines showing early experiments with northern-style shikharas.
The Jain Narayana Temple, built in the 9th century during the Rashtrakuta era, reflects Dravidian planning and houses an image of a Tirthankara. Excavations revealed evidence of an earlier Jain shrine, showing the religious diversity of Pattadakal.
Inscriptions and Art
Pattadakal is also a treasure of epigraphy and sculpture. Numerous Old Kannada inscriptions provide details about royal grants, temple construction, and cultural life. The walls feature exquisite reliefs, including depictions of Ravana lifting Mount Kailash, Shiva as Nataraja, and Krishna’s playful childhood episodes.
Some sculptures depict musical instruments like the long-necked lute, offering glimpses into the region’s artistic traditions. Notably, several artisans proudly inscribed their names beneath their carvings, especially in the Virupaksha temple, reflecting the growing status of artists in Chalukyan society.
How to Reach
Pattadakal is easily accessible from major towns of northern Karnataka.
By Road: It is about 22 km from Badami and 10 km from Aihole, both of which are part of the famous Chalukyan architecture circuit. Regular KSRTC buses and private taxis connect Pattadakal with Bagalkot (about 35 km away).
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Badami, which connects to Hubballi, Hospet, and Bengaluru.
By Air: The nearest airport is Hubballi Airport (about 140 km), while Belagavi Airport (180 km) also serves the region.