PATTADAKAL

This fascinating complex of temples, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built during the Chalukya dynasty between the 7th and 8th centuries. Also sometimes called Raktapura or Pattadakallu, the complex consists of nine Hindu temples, including the famous Virupaksha Temple, and a Jain shrine. Located on the western bank of the Mallaprabha River, they constitute the perfect synthesis of the different architectural styles expressed at the time, reflecting at the same time the society and culture, as well as the various religious currents which cohabited in the Deccan region. Pattadakal was considered a sacred place, and it was here that the Chalukya kings of Badami, then called Vatapi Nagar, came to be crowned.

Narayana Jain Temple. This temple contains superb sculptures which date from the 9th century. Reflecting the Dravidian style of the south of India it was built by king Amoghavarsha I or his son Krishna II. It includes a mukha mandapa (porch), a navaranga (square hall with 4 pillars), a shikhara (tower) and a garbagriha (sanctuary). The temple is dedicated to Parvanath, the 23rd tirthankar or holy man of Jainism.

Virupaksha Temple. It was erected in 745 by Queen Lokamahadevi to celebrate her husband's victory over the Pallavas of Kanchi. The temple is surrounded by a prakara, or wall. It is accessed through porches on the north, east and south sides. The eastern entrance is the largest and most important. The maha mandapa (main hall) contains numerous Kannara inscriptions and imposing sculptures. A smaller hall houses a nandi, which faces the shrine in which there is a black sandstone shivalinga. It is possible to walk around the shrine through a walkway, a traditional rite in Hinduism before bowing to the idol. The Virupaksha temple is said to have served as a model for the famous Kailash temple in Ellora and is a faithful replica of the Kailash temple in Kanchi.

Sangameshwara Temple. This is the oldest temple in Pattadakal. It was originally named Vijayeshwara, as it was erected by the Chalukya king Vijayaditya in the 7th century. The square plan is typically Dravidian, and includes a sanctuary, an inner passage and a 20-pillar navaranga. The outer walls display carved representations of Narasimha (avatar of Vishnu with the bust of a man and the head of a lion) and Nataraja (representation of Shiva dancing).

Chandrashekhara Temple. On the left side of the Sangameshwara temple, this small temple is very simple and bare. It has no sculptures, but contains a shivalinga in its shrine.

Mallikarjuna Temple. This temple looks like a smaller version of Virupaksha temple, and for good reason. Built north of Virupaksha, it is the result of the generosity of Queen Trilokyamahadevi, the second wife of King Vikramaditya II. The work began just after the completion of the Viurpaksha temple, in 745. And this temple also celebrates the victory of the king over the Pallavas. The porch has a beautiful bas-relief of Narasimha killing Hiranyakashipu. The pillars of the navaranga are decorated with figures from the Mahabaratha and the Ramayana, as well as scenes of people from different walks of life of the time. The sculptures on the outer walls of the temple depict religious figures: Shiva, Nandi, Laxmi, Lakulisha, Nataraja...

Kashi Vishvanath Temple. This is the last of the Chalukya temples built in Pattadakal, and only the shrine and the walking path remain. Built in the 8th century by the Rashtrakutas, a south Indian dynasty, the temple was designed in the Nagara style from the north of the country. Admire the female silhouettes that are drawn in high relief on the pillars of the passage.

Galaganath Temple. Also built in the 8th century, its architectural style is inspired by nagara. Like all the temples of Pattadakal, it is dedicated to Shiva. One finds inside several representation of the God, of which a linga in the sanctuary, a sculpture representing him facing the demon Andhakasura and another image engraved on the external wall of the sanctuary.

Kadasiddheshwara and Jambulinga Temples. These two small temples could be twins as they are so similar in size and architectural style. They would date from the seventh century and as their sikhara indicates, they are inspired by the Nagara style. You will be able to admire the sculptures of the gods Shiva, Parvati or Vishnu on the external walls of the temple of Kadasiddheshwara. The temple of Jambalinga is notable for its two statues inside the temple. One represents Nandi the bull and the other Virabhadra, a negative version of Shiva, created by himself to destroy the fire Yagna.

Papanath Temple. This is one of the oldest temples in the Pattadakal group, dating from 680. The architect started the work by borrowing from the Nagara style, and later on he adopted the Dravidian style. This suggests that there may have been several architects from elsewhere. The outer walls are decorated with friezes of lions, elephants and scenes from the Ramayana. The guardians of Shiva, Nandi and Virabhadra, welcome you at the door of the mandapa. Inside, the 16 pillars are finely carved with loving couples and female forms. On the ceiling, the impressive images represent Shiva and Parvathi as well as Vishnu and the Gandharvas.