Once the destination of kings, Pattadakal was where kingdoms were bestowed upon heirs apparent. The official coronation destination, the temples at Pattadakal which literally translates into coronation (pattada) stone (kallu) has a collection of temples that skew towards both the North Indian and South Indian styles of temple architecture. With sculptures and details intact, these temples narrate their stories with clarity; stories so powerful, that they resonate across centuries.
With its beautifully chiseled temples,this World Heritage Site on the banks of MalaprabhaRiver,bears testimony to the richness of Chalukyanarchitecture.Pattadakal reached the pinnacle of its glory under the Chalukya kings and was once used as a ceremonial centre where kings were crowned anecommemorated.It has a cluster of 10 major twmples,each displaying interesting architectural features.At the entrance of the site,you can see the 8th century temples of Jambulinga,Kadasiddeshvara and Galaganatha.The biggest temple,dedicated to Lord Virupaksha,has a huge gateway,severalinscriptions,and a profusion of friezes from the Epics.TheMallikarjuna temple is smaller in size in similar in design to Virupaksha Temple but smaller in size.The ornate Papanatha Temple is another impressive piece of architecture with delicately chiseled ceilings and a 16 pillared main hall.TheSangameshwara Temple dating from the reign of King Vijayaditya (696-733 AD) is the earliest temple in this complex.
