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Pattadakal, also called Paṭṭadakallu or Raktapura, is a complex of 7th and 8th century CE Hindu and Jain temples in northern Karnataka (India). Located on the west bank of the Malaprabha River in Bagalakote district, this UNESCO World Heritage site is 14 miles (23 km) from Badami and about 6 miles (9.7 km) from Aihole, both of which are historically significant centres of Chalukya monuments. The monument is a protected site under Indian law and is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
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.
South India unique are their grand structure, done beautifully in Vijaya Nagara and Dravidian styles. Like literally, you’ll find no compromised work of art anywhere in South India especially when it comes to the Hindu temples where a plethora of devotees throng from the world over. Each shrine in South India, irrespective of its location displays fine artwork not only in the interiors but also outside on the Gopurams (spire). For instance, the exquisite decor of the popular Sabarimala Sastha Temple in Sabarimala simply takes one’s breath away and how can we miss out on the colourful facade of Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, which is simply divine! The richness of South India temples does not limit to just the architecture but belief as well where millions of devotees gather to pay respect to holy figures. You can expect to witness the interesting rituals like hair offering or tonsuring to Lord Venkateswara. We can surely say that, there are no shortage of temples to tour in the South Indian states and to keep your pilgrimage holiday even better, we have compiled a list of must visit temples in South India.
