Pattadakal is well-known for the group of the 8th century monuments. The monuments at Pattadakal are listed in the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. The distinctiveness of monuments at Pattadakal gains from the presence of both the Dravidian and the Nagara (Indo-Aryan) styles of temple architecture.
About Pattadakal :
Pattadakal, also known as Pattadakalu in Kannada, is a village in the state of Karnataka. This village is situated on the banks of the Malaprabha River in Bagalkot District. It lies 22 km from Badami and 10 km from Aihole and is the capital of the Chalukya Dynasty of Southern India. The village is well renowned for its range of temples that belong to the group of 8th century monuments.
These temples are popular under the name of ‘Chalukyas’ and form a part of the earliest experiments of the Vesara style of Hindu temple architecture. These temples also made Pattadakal a World Heritage Site in the year 1987. Pattadakal displays both Dravidian and the Nagara styles of temple architecture. Its temples include a Jain Sanctuary accompanied by many small shrines and plinths.
Amongst the range of Chalukya temples, the Sangameshvara Temple is the oldest one, which was built by the Chalukya King Vijayaditya Satyashraya. The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture and has a display of a Sanctum in its inner passage and Nataraja sculptures on the outer walls.
The Virupaksha Temple is the other significant temple in Pattadakal known for the old Kannada inscriptions present on its victory pillar that belong to the 8th century. Other significant temples in Pattadakal village include the Mallikarjuna Temple, Kashivisvanatha Temple, Kadasiddhesvara Temple, Galganatha Temple, Jain Temple, Papanatha Temple, and many more.
The tradition and culture of Pattadakal village is not only depicted through its temples but can also be seen in its festivals, namely the Banashankari Temple Festival, Virupaksha Temple Car Festival and the Mallikarjuna Temple Festival. Along with these, there is also an annual dance festival held in the village known as the Chalukya Utsava.
Attractions Of Pattadakal In Karnataka :
Pattadakal is a town in the Indian state of Karnataka. Pattadakal is a perfect example of architectural genius as it contains temples constructed according to various styles. But the primary influence of the Chalukiyan art clearly reflects from the various temples it houses. Four temples in Pattadakal have been engineered by keeping the style of architecture followed by the Dravidians in mind. Others except Papanatha temple are illustrations of the style followed by the Nagaras who descended from the northern parts of India.
Significant temples at Pattadakal of Karnataka are mentioned below:-
- Virupaksha Temple: Being built by Lokeshwari who was the spouse of Vikramaditya II, this temple came into existence to commemorate the huge win of the king against the Pallavas in 735. Although it resembles the Kailashnatha temple of Kanchi this temple is a marvelous piece of art that inspired the Rashtakootas to build the Ellora Kailashnatha Temple.The Virupaksha Temple is placed in the eastern facet of the Malaprabha river. The 18 pillars that augments the beauty of the mukhamandapam contain vivid portrayals of the scenes from Puranas.
Other sculptures include Ravananugrahamurthy, Narasimha, Gajendramoksham and also Shiva performing a type of tandava or dance. Another idol include an embodiment of Lakulisa.
- Mallikarjuna Temple:- It bears uncanny resemblance with the Virupaksha temple but is a little bit on the smaller side.
- The Papanatha Temple is dowered with a Vimanam that has been constructed according to the Nagara style of engineering. It also possesses scenic portrayal of famous moments from the Hindu epic, Ramayana.
- Other temples include the Galaganatha Temple, Kasi Visveswara, Chandrasekhara, Sangameswara, Jambulinga, Kadasiddeswara and a Jain Temple.Pattadakal is a sought after tourist destination of Karnataka.
History :
Pattadakal was an important town during the Chalukyan period. While Vatapi (now Badami) served as their political center and capital, Pattadakal was their cultural capital. Royal functions and ceremonies like coronations were held in the town. Pattadakal is also famous for its rich architectural heritage. There are numerous temples around the town, reflecting a fine blend of different style of temple building. Pattadakal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is a pillar inscription in the Virupaksha Temple in Old Kannada script, recording the victory of Vikramaditya II over the Pallavas of Kanchi.
How To Reach :
Airport : The nearest major airport to Pattadakal is the Belgaum Airport which is 121 kms within the state of Karnataka.
Railway route : The nearest railway station is Badami, 22 kms away. There are around five regular trains for Bijapur from Badami and Bangalore.
Bus route : Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses are available from Bangalore -514 kms, Hampi-118 kms and Badami-29 kms.
Road route : The State Highway 14 links Pattadakal with Badami. Aihole is round 45 kms from Pattadakal. The city is connected to other major centres like Bijapur, Bagalkot, Hubli and Belgaum. It is also well connected to Bangalore (500 kms).