Galaganatha Temple

Within the Pattadakal temple complex is the old Galaganatha Temple, in front of Sangameshwara Temple. As a part of Pattadakal Tour Packages, it is one of the must-see places to visit in Pattadakal.
    
Architecture of Galaganatha Temple

This temple, which is east-facing and was constructed around the year 750. It serves as an example of a nicely built rekha-nagara Prasada. Its floor plan includes a sanctum (garbhagriha) containing a linga, a vestibule, a hall (sabha-mandapa), and an entrance porch (Mukha mandapa). It is all encircled by a closed circumambulatory route. Only the plinth remains of these mandapas at this time.

The temple features a plinth with ornate moldings, chaitya-arch motifs, and a ruined circumambulatory path with Devakoshta pavilions. The southern pavilion houses a sculpture of Shiva slaying Andhakasura, wearing a wreath of human skulls. Perforations separate the windows, and the basement moldings have unique sculptures of animals like a monkey and a bird.

The most prominent aspect of the temple is the well-preserved northern superstructure (rekha-nagara shikhara). It has kalasha and amalaka on top of the temple. This shikhara is similar to the superstructures of the Visvabrahma and other temples in Alampur in Andhra Pradesh. It has three projecting bands framing two recesses (triratha-shikhara) and ascending kapotas, kudus, and amalakas. It has a damaged but well-developed sukhasana.

Wall niches (Devakostas) built of intricate pilasters in the middle soften the sanctum's outside walls. These recesses have exquisitely designed trefoil chaitya-window motifs surrounding them on the lateral projections. The five-shakha, elaborate doorframe of the outer chamber features dancing Siva on the lintel and river deities at the base.

Best time

Pattadakal's weather is pleasant in winter, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 32°C. The tropical climate makes it hot in summer, with temperatures going from 28°C to 41°C. Monsoons make it an ideal time to visit the Pattadakal tour package.