Top 8 places to visit in Pattadakal

Pattadakal

Aihole, Badami, and Pattadakal are all part of the same complex. This complex is home to many Hindu and Jain shrines and is the best example of a Chalukyan building. UNESCO named it a World Heritage site. It has been around since the 4th century and is on the banks of the River Malaprabha. Archaeological digs show that people used to call the area Raktapura, and the Badami Chalukyas ruled it. The Hindu shrines at Pattadakal are a beautiful mix of North and South Indian styles. They are dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Galaganatha Temple Pattadakal

In the Pattadakal temple complex, Galaganatha Temple is an old temple opposite Sangameshwara Temple. As part of Pattadakal Tour Packages, this is one of the places you must see. Builders constructed the beautiful Galaganatha Temple in the early 800s. It follows the Nagara style and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has a linga and an entrance hall (antarala) inside the main temple area.

Jambulinga Temple

Inside the temple complex, behind Galaganatha Temple, you can find a small shrine built in the 7th century called Jambulinga Temple. The temple follows the Nagara style and features a shrine and a small mandapa. Builders constructed this temple in the same style as the Huchchimalli Temple in Aihole, though it is not as large. There is a carving of Lord Shiva and Parvathi on the temple's sukanasi. The builders set the temple on a high base with five moldings, and they painted it with small birds and ganas. It is often included in Pattadakal tour packages.

Kadasiddeshwar Temple Pattadakal

The first building you see in the complex is the Kadasiddeshwar building. In the 8th century, builders built small, Nagara-style buildings. The Kadasiddeshwar Temple isn’t huge, and they built the shrine and hall on top of a raised platform. You can find a beautiful image of Lord Shiva and Parvathi there. Carved dwarapalakas at the door beautifully welcome tourists. The temple has good paintings of dwarfs and birds on the top part of the outside wall. There are beautiful statues of Ardhanareeswara, Shiva, and Harihara on the outside wall of the sanctum. This is one of the places to visit in Pattadakal.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, next to the Mallikarjuna Temple inside the temple complex, is a beautiful Nagara-style temple from the 8th century. Many believe this is the last Hindu temple built among the landmarks in Pattadakal. The only parts of the temple still standing are the shrine and the antarala. Two pillars hold up the sanctum and have a black stone Shivalinga cut into it. Lovely sculptures of women in different poses are at the bottom of the doorway, making it a must-see in Pattadakal tour packages.

Mallikarjuna Temple Pattadakal

Although the temple is smaller, it remains similar to the Virupaksha in many aspects. In the seventh century, builders used the Dravidian style to design it. Besides, this site is a beautiful structure of Pattadakal buildings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of course, an excellent picture of Narasimha killing Hiranyakashipu is found on the porch. Artisans intricately carved the Panchatantra, the Mahabharata, and the Ramayana beautifully. Ultimately, it is one of the best places to visit in Pattadakal.

Papanatha Temple

Initially, they planned to make this temple in the Nagara style, but later, they changed it to the Dravidian style. In addition, artists decorated the temple walls with beautiful paintings of scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Furthermore, along the banks of the Malaprabha River lies this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is often a highlight in Pattadakal tour packages.

Sangameshwara Temple

Firstly, it is one of India's oldest churches. The Chalukya King Vijayaditya Satyashraya built it between 696 and 733 AD. Initially, they called it the Vijayeswara temple, which features a Dravidian design. Moreover, people say this temple was the first to feature a two-tiered Sikhara, which builders still use today. Additionally, there is a Nandi mandapa at the front of the building. Therefore, don't miss this important site among the places to visit in Pattadakal.