Historical places to visit in Karnataka - 03

PATTADKALU

1. Virupaksha Temple 

Distance (From Pattadadal Bus Stand): 0.4 Kms

Visited From: Pattadadal Bus Stand

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 30 Mins

Place Location: Inside Pattadakal Temple Complex

Transportation Options: Walk/Trek

Website: NA

Phone No: NA

Address: NA

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 400 meters from Pattadakal Bus Stand, Virupaksha Temple is the biggest and most ravishing of all temples in Pattadakal with grand art work in all corners of the temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is the only functioning shrine in the temple complex.

Constructed in 745 AD by the Chalukyan ruler Vikramaditya's consort Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate his victory over Pallavas of Kanchi, this temple was started as a replica of Kailasanatha Temple of Kanchi. Built in Dravidian style, the temple has three mukhamandapas on three sides with a large stone gateway on East side towards Malaprabha River. A large pillared hall is following by sanctum with a circular path for pradakshinas. The mukhamandapas and the pillars of the hall have wonderful carvings of gods and scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Highlight of the temple is the sculpture of God Surya with his consorts riding a chariot, carved on the ceiling of Eastern Mukhamandapa. Other famous sculptures of Virupaksha Temple include Ravana lifting Mount Kailash, Narasimha killing Hiranyakasipa, Parvathi's marriage scenes, Kurukshetra War Scenes, Fight between Bheema and Dhuryodhana, Fall of Bhishma, Scenes from Ramayana, Samudra Madhana, Mruthyunjaya & large dwarapalakas, The ceiling of the mukhamandapas have nice images, like the one of Brahma sitting on Lotus. The outer walls of the temple too consist of few great sculptures - Hanuman carrying Sanjivani hill, Gajendra mokhas, etc.

There is a large nandi mandada opposite to the shrine with black stone monolithic nandi. The walls of the nandi mandapa have few beautiful carvings of female images. This temple is considered to the reference for famous Kailasa Temple at Ellora.

There is a stone with inscriptions dating back to 733 AD.

Complex Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Entrance: Rs. 10, Rs. 25 for camera.

2. Mallikarjuna Temple 

Distance (From Pattadadal Bus Stand): 0.4 Kms

Visited From: Virupaksha Temple (50 m)

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 30 Mins

Place Location: Inside Temple Complex, Behind Virupaksha Temple

Transportation Options: Walk/Trek

Website: NA

Phone No: NA

Address: NA

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 400 meters from Pattadakal Bus Stand, Mallikarjuna Temple is another grand temple in Pattadakal situated just beside Virupaksha Temple inside the temple complex. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is similar to Virupaksha Temple in architecture but little smaller in size.

The temple is constructed in 745 AD by the second wife of Chalukyan ruler Vikramaditya. Built in Dravidian style, the temple has three mukhamandapas on three sides with a partially collapsed stone nandi mandapa in front of the temple. A large pillared hall is following by sanctum. The mukhamandapas and the pillars of the hall have wonderful carvings of gods and scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharata and Panchatantra. The ceiling of the temple is also adorned with beautiful figures.

Some of the famous carvings in Mallikarjuna Temple include Mahishasuramardhini chasing demon, Gurukula, scenes from Mahabharata and Ramayana Wars, scenes from Yashodhara Charitha, Royal Lady, Kama and Vasantha, Monkey and the wedge, Monkey and crocodile, Elephant carrying log and attractive dwarapalakas. The mahamandapa has sculptures of elephants supporting the ceiling.

Complex Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Entrance: Rs. 10, Rs. 25 for camera.

3. Kashi Vishwanatha Temple

Distance (From Pattadadal Bus Stand): 0.4 Kms

Visited From: Mallikarjuna Temple (50 m)

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 15 Mins or Less

Place Location: Inside Temple Complex, Beside Mallikarjuna Temple

Transportation Options: Walk/Trek

Website: NA

Phone No: NA

Address: NA

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 400 meters from Pattadakal Bus Stand, Kashi Vishwanatha Temple situated adjacent to Mallikarjuna Temple inside the temple complex is a wonderful 8th century temple built in Nagara style. 

This is believed to be the last Hindu temple built in Pattadakal monuments. The temple has only sanctum and antarala left and the remaining parts are collapsed. The sanctum is supported by two pillars and has a Shivalinga carved out of black stone. The doorway of the sanctum has a carving of Garuda holding snakes. Bottom of the doorway has nice sculptures of female figures in different postures. 

The pillars of the temple have nice carvings with great details. One of the pillars has a nicely engraved image of Siva-Parvathi marriage and another one with Krishna Leela from Bhagavatam. Other images on the pillars include Ravana lifting Kailasa, Lord Shiva chasing demo Tripurasura

There are also few pillar reliefs of men riding mythical animals. The ceiling has a large figure of Shiva & Parvathi with baby Skanda,. The ceiling relief is supported by large sculptures of animals. The dome of the sikhara is missing.

Complex Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Entrance: Rs. 10, Rs. 25 for camera.

4. Papanatha Temple 

Distance (From Pattadadal Bus Stand): 0.7 Kms

Visited From: Virupaksha Temple (300 m)

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 30 Mins

Place Location: On River Bank Near Virupaksha Temple

Transportation Options: Walk/Trek

Website: NA

Phone No: NA

Address: NA

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 700 meters from Pattadakal Bus Stand & Temple Complex entrance, Papanatha Temple is a large structure built on the banks of Malaprabha River outside the main temple complex. This temple can be reached by walking down along the river bed from Virupaksha Temple gateway. This temple is dedicated to Muktewara, a form of Lord Shiva.

Built in a mix of Nagara and Dravidian architecture, this temple dates back to 680 AD. The vimana on top of the sanctum in built in nagara style, while the mukhamandapa facing east, rangamandapa and antarala are acquired from Dravidian style. The sanctum has a narrow circumambulatory path for pradakshinas. On three sides of the outer walls of sanctum, there are pillared porticos with sculptures of dancing Shiva. 

This temple is famous for the carvings of scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata. The sabhamandapa has 16 pillars with medium size sculptures of men & women. There is also a sculpture of Mahishasura Mardhini with 8 hands. 

The pillars in mukhamandapa have wonderful carving of couples and mythical animals on three sides. The sides of mandapa have several lattice windows with miniature temple towers engraved inside with different sculptures like Rama Killing Vali, Vanaras building bridge to Lanka, Srirama's Coronation, Arjuna's penance, Ravana lifting mount Kailash, Narasimha & Hiranyakasipa fighting, Indra riding Airavata, Dasaratha performing Putrakamesthti yaga, Indrajit & Kumbhakarna attacking vanara army, etc.

5. Sangameshwara Temple

Distance (From Pattadadal Bus Stand): 0.3 Kms

Visited From: Pattadadal Bus Stand

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 15 Mins or Less

Place Location: Inside Pattadakal Temple Complex

Transportation Options: Walk/Trek

Website: NA

Phone No: NA

Address: NA

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 300 meters from Pattadakal Bus Stand, Sangameshwara Temple situated between Galaganatha and Virupaksha temples inside the temple complex is the oldest temple in Pattadakal. It was commissioned by Chalukyan ruler Vijayaditya in the year 720 AD, but it seems the construction was never completed. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is similar to Virupaksha Temple in style but a smaller size. 

The two tier Dravidian type sikhara is an experiment stared here which was implemented in ]temples of Virupaksha and Mallikarjuna and still being followed in South India. The temple has two entrances on north and south. The large rangamandapa with 20 pillars is partially ruined and there are two sub shrines for Mahishasura Mardhini & Ganesha. There is a ruined Nandi mandapa in front of the temple. The sanctum has a circular path for pradakshinas. There are few good sculptures on the outer wall like those of Ugranarasimha & Nataraja. 

There are inscriptions on the temple walls with information on rulers who made contributions to the temple. The outer walls of the temple are adorned with images of Vishnu, Varaha, Shiva and other floral designs. The temple also has inscriptions dated 1162 AD, from the reign of Kalyani Chalukyas.

There 3rd / 4th century structure with brick pillars was excavated adjacent to Sangameshwara Temple in 1970.

Complex Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Entrance: Rs. 10, Rs. 25 for camera.

6. Jambulinga Temple

Distance (From Pattadadal Bus Stand): 0.3 Kms

Visited From: Pattadadal Bus Stand

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 15 Mins or Less

Place Location: Inside Pattadakal Temple Complex

Transportation Options: Walk/Trek

Website: NA

Phone No: NA

Address: NA

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 300 meters from Pattadakal Bus Stand, Jambulinga Temple situated behind Galaganatha Temple inside the temple complex is a small shrine constructed in 7th century. 

The temple is constructed in Nagara style with sanctum and a small mandapa. This temple is constructed in the lines of Huchchimalli Temple in Aihole, but small in size. The sukanasi of the temple has a carved image of Lord Shiva with Parvathi. The temple is built on a high plinth having five moldings with decorated miniature ganas and birds.

The walls of the sanctum have sculptures of Siva, Surya and Vishnu.

Complex Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Complex Entrance: Rs. 10, Rs. 25 for camera.

7. Kadasiddeshwara Temple

Distance (From Pattadadal Bus Stand): 0.3 Kms

Visited From: Pattadadal Bus Stand

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 15 Mins or Less

Place Location: Inside Pattadakal Temple Complex

Transportation Options: Walk/Trek

Website: NA

Phone No: NA

Address: NA

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 300 meters from Pattadakal Bus Stand & Temple Complex entrance, Kadasiddeshwara Temple is the first temple you encounter in the temple complex. It is a small 8th century structure built in Nagara style.

Kadasiddeshwara Temple is relatively small with a sanctum and hall built on an elevated platform. There is a fine sculpture of Lord Shiva and Parvathi. At the entrance, nicely carved dwarapalakas welcome the tourists. The upper part of the outer wall has good carvings of dwarf figures and birds. The outer wall of the sanctum has beautiful sculptures of Ardhanareeswara, Shiva and Harihara. 

Complex Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Entrance: Rs. 10, Rs. 25 for camera.

8. Jain temple

Distance (From Pattadadal Bus Stand): 1 Kms

Visited From: Pattadadal Bus Stand

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 30 Mins

Transportation Options: Cab / Auto / Walk/Trek

Website: NA

Phone No: NA

Address: NA

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 1 km from Pattadakal Bus Stand & Temple Complex entrance toward Badami, Jain Temple is a 9th century temple built by Rashtrakutas and Kalyani Chalukyas.

Built in Dravidian style, the temple has a large mukhamandapa followed by rangamandapa and sanctum. Built on an elevated platform, the mukhamandapa has 16 round shaped pillars. The life size elephant statues on both sides of doorway welcome the tourists. The mukhamandapa has stone benches with back support. The outer walls of the back support have nice carvings human figures, dwarfs, Sankhanidhi and Padmanidhi and kalasas.

The rangamandapa has four pillars, heavy and plain. The antarala is supported by two pillars. The sanctum has a pradakshina-patha and the most interesting aspect is the crocodile arch of the sanctum. The sanctum houses a small shivalinga, which might have been placed after Jainism is diminished in the region. 

The rangamandapa and sanctum have lattice windows and outer walls are decorated with wall brackets.