Pattadakal
Travel Guide
Situated on the left bank of the Malaprabha river,
Pattadakal a World
Heritage Centre has 10 major temples representing early Chalukyan architecture.
The biggest temple here is dedicated to
Virupaksha. Enclosed in a large
quadrangle surrounded by small cells, it has a massive gateway and several inscriptions.
Besides scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, there is a wonderful carving
designed to look like an elephant from one side and a buffalo from the other.
In front of the temple is a majestic 2.6k metres high Nandi. In contrast to
the pink - tinged sandstone temples, the Nandi is made of deep green stone and
is covered in a red floral cape. The Virupaksha temples is still used for worship.
Stop now at the
Mallikarjuna and
Papanatha temples delicately
chiseled, rich in detail. The inner hall of the Papanatha temple is guarded
by Nandi and Virabhadra. There are 16 pillars in the main hall with beautiful
carvings.
The Jain Temple here is from the
Rashtrakuta Period.
Besides these temples is a group of temples remarkable primarily, for representing
two chief styles of Indian architecture, side by side.
The detailed descriptions in the sculptures of the temples give an insight into
the social life of those days.
Local Festivals:
The Pattadakal Dance Festival is organized annually by the Government of Karnataka.
Languages Spoken:
Kannada, Hindi, English.
When to go there:
The best time to visit Pattadakal is between October and February.
How to get there
Rail :
The nearest Railway Station is Badami, 24 kms away.
Road :
Pattadakal is connected by road to: · Aihole (24 kms) · Badami (29
kms)
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