Declared a world heritage site in 1987, Pattadakal, situated on the banks of the Malaprabha river in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, represents the high point of temple architecture under the Chalukya dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries. Earlier called Kisuvolal or Pattada Kisuvolal, that literally translates to City of Crown Rubies, Pattadakal along with Aihole and Badami provide an incredible concentration of religious monuments that reveal a beautiful fusion of north (Nagara, Indo-Aryan) and south (Dravidian) Indian architectural forms.
All the Hindu temples in the city are dedicated to Lord Shiva and are noteworthy for their craftsmanship and architectural brilliance. The Virupaksha Temple built around 740 by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate the victory of her husband, King Vikramaditya II in 731 over the Pallavas stands out among them all. The inscriptions in the temple say that the King had brought an architect and a team of sculptors from the south and reveal his admiration for the art of the Pallavas.
While four of the temples in Pattadakal are built in the Dravidian architectural style, the other four reflect Nagara style.
The lone Jain temple, dedicated to Lord Papanatha, is also blend of north and south Indian architectures. The colossal black stone statue of Shiva’s sacred bull, Nandi, is another high point of Pattadakal.
Most of the festivals in the town of Pattadakal are associated with its temples. The Virupaksha temple car festival, the Mallikarjun temple festival and the Chalukya Utsav (a three-day dance festival) are all organized by the government of Karnataka. A crafts mela is also organized on the sidelines of the Chalukya Utsav in the month of January.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PATTADAKAL
Accommodation options are very limited in the small village. Badami and Aihole provide better options.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN PATTADAKAL
Places to eat are also limited. Carrying sufficient food and water is advisable.
BEST TIME TO VISIT PATTADAKAL
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Pattadakal is as given below. The best time to visit Pattadakal is also specified.
