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About Pattadakal
Pattadakal is located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka. Pattadakal literally means “coronation place”, as it hosted coronation ceremonies during the Chalukyan era. It is famous for its harmonious blend of architectural forms from Northern and Southern India, as well as being an example of eclectic art at its pinnacle. ASI manages this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex contains ten major temples, including Papanatha, Galaganatha, Jambulingeshwara, Kashivishveshwara, Virupaksha, Mallikarjuna, Sangameshwara, Kadasiddeshwara, Chandrashekara, and Jain temples.
Group of Temples at Pattadakal Complex
Kadasiddheshwara temple
The Kadasiddheshwara temple is located at the very beginning of the temple complex. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva. It is a small east-facing temple constructed in the Nagar style. The walls of the temple adorn the carvings of Ardhanarishwara, Lakulisha, and Harihara. Especially, Swastika patterns on the windows and intricate patterns on the gopuram embellish the entire structure.
Jambulinga temple
Jambulinga temple is also one of the smallest east-facing Shiva temples in the complex. This temple also features Nagara’s architectural style. Further, the niches of the walls have images of Lakulisha, Harihara, and Vishnu.
Galaganatha temple
The Galaganatha temple is also designed in the Nagara style. The main deity of this temple is also Lord Shiva. The Shikara has a Kalash on top that is devised differently than the other structures.
Sangameshwara temple
The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva also known as Vijayeshwara. Shiva Linga got the name Vijayeshwara after the Chalukya king Vijayaditya. It is one of the oldest temples in the complex. Further, the structure of the temple is in the Dravidian style. The walls and pillars of this temple have intricate carvings, but some of the niches are incomplete, indicating its immediacy.
Virupaksha temple
The Virupaksha temple honors Lord Shiva also known as Lokeshwara and is the only active temple in the venue. The name Lokeshwara comes from Queen Lokamahadevi, who commissioned it after her husband’s victory over the Pallava capital of Kanchipuram. An enormous Nandi mantapa stands majestically in front of the temple. Nandi is indeed beautifully decorated with flowers and worshipped here. The temple was built in early Chalukya-Dravidian architectural styles, with intricately carved pillars. Bhajans and Keerthanas were taking place inside the temple during our visit. This is one of the most intricate and magnificent temples in the complex.
Mallikarjuna temple
Mallikarjuna temple, also known as Trilokeshwara temple, is a magnificent Dravidian-style Shiva temple. Trilokeshwara temple got its name from Vikramaditya – ll’s wife, Trilokadevi who initiated it. Further, the temple’s interior encompasses sculptures and stories from Krishna, Ramayana, Mahabharath, and Panchatantra.
Monolithic Stone Pillar In Pattadakal Complex
The monolithic pillar is located in front of the Mallikarjuna temple. It is inscribed in Siddhamatrika, Kannada, and Telugu storylines from the eighth century A.D. Since the monolithic stone pillar was under rejuvenation during our visit, we couldn’t see it or its inscriptions.
Chandrashekhara temple
The Chandrashekhara temple is a one-of-a-kind structure in the complex. The main god of the temple is Lord Shiva. However, it is devoid of idols and has delicate intricate carvings. The Garbha Graha has no superstructure, and a ruined Nandi idol sits on the platform in front of the temple.
Kashivishveshwara temple
The Kashivishveshwara temple is a Nagara-style Shiva temple with fine carvings. The inner structure niche features Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesha, as well as a sculpted Rekha Shikara.
Pattadakal acknowledgment
The Pattadakal temple complex is unquestionably a true treasure of the Chalukya dynasty, offering insight into the social and religious life of the time. Another significant feature is the harmonious blend of Southern and Northern architectural styles. Whether it is Pattadakal or Aihole, the fine quality of work and mastery of the builders and its construction are substantial Chalukya contributions.
If interested, you can read about Aihole here.
How To Reach Pattadakal
By Road
Bike/Car :
- The shortest route from Bangalore to Pattadakal is through Tumkur, Chitradurga, Hospet, and Ilkal on NH 48 and NH 50.
- Pattadakal is approximately 460 km from Bangalore and will take about 8 hours to reach.
Bus :
- Pattadakal has buses that run from Amingad, Vijayapura, Hubli, Badami, and Belgaum regularly.
By Train
- Pattadakal is a small town, thus there is no railway station.
- The nearest railway station is Badami, which is 22 km away. There are numerous trains that run from Bangalore and Pune to Badami.
- Bagalkot railway station is also only 42 km away.
By Air
- Domestic airport Hubballi is the nearest to Pattadakal which is located 131 km away.
- Goa is the nearest international airport which is 296 km away from Pattadakal.
Travel Tips for Pattadakal
- The Pattadakal complex is open from 6 am to 6 pm.
- July to February is the best time to visit Pattadakal. Summer months are not recommended because the area will be extremely hot due to high temperatures. Because the area receives very little rainfall, you can visit during the rainy season with an umbrella or rain poncho.
- To learn more about the temple’s history and architecture, you can hire a certified guide at the entrance.
- There are restrooms available.
- Within the complex, there are drinking water facilities. There aren’t many places to eat near the complex, but there are some canteens that serve simple Jowar roti meals (native food) and other snacks. It is also best to bring some food with you when visiting the site.
- There are no lodging options close to Pattadakal. It is preferable to stay in Badami and splurge for the day at Pattadakal. To learn more about Badami, visit our post here.
- The ornate gardens and beautiful architecture of the temple make it a picturesque spot where you can take as many photos as you want. Photography is not restricted in any way.
- The complex is well-kept, and please do not litter.
- Check out our post here for an itinerary to visit famous heritages and sightseeing in North Karnataka.
