Pattadakal – Royal Temples Of Harmony & Coronation Glory

Most people chasing temples in Karnataka go straight to Hampi and forget one crucial stop on the heritage express — Pattadakal.

Big mistake.

Because while Hampi shows you the might of empire, Pattadakal shows you the soul of Indian architecture — where Dravidian (South) and Nagara (North) styles joined hands under royal patronage and created an epic lineup of temples that still glow in golden sunlight like they’re posing for a movie poster.

Where Is This Gem?

• Pattadakal, Bagalkot District, Karnataka

• On the banks of the Malaprabha River

• Part of the Chalukyan trio: Aihole, Badami, and Pattadakal

• Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987

Flashback to the 7th–8th Century – When Chalukyas Were the Main Characters

Once upon a time (specifically the 6th to 8th centuries CE), the Chalukyas of Badami ruled over large parts of southern and central India.

These guys were more than just warriors — they were patrons of art, architecture, religion, and Sanskrit literature.

And when it came to building temples, they went all in.

• First, they experimented in Aihole (like students learning architecture)

• Then refined it in Badami

• And finally, perfected it in Pattadakal

Pattadakal literally means “place of coronation” — kings were crowned here under divine blessings, and to commemorate their reigns, temples were built.

Basically, this was a political, spiritual, and artistic hotspot.

What Makes Pattadakal Special?

It’s not just the number of temples (though there are 10 major ones).

It’s the fusion — a rare site where you see:

• Dravidian style (Tamil Nadu style with stepped vimanas)

• Nagara style (North Indian style with curvilinear towers)

• Hybrid temples that borrow from both worlds

• Built side by side, harmoniously, like an ancient architectural TED Talk

Now let’s walk through the stars of this show.

The Main Temples – The Legendary Lineup

1. Virupaksha Temple

• The largest and grandest temple here

• Built by Queen Lokamahadevi in the 8th century to celebrate her husband

Vikramaditya II’s victory over the Pallavas

• Dedicated to Lord Shiva

• Features:

o Massive pillared halls

o Intricate sculptures

o Epic friezes depicting Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas

Fun fact: This temple inspired the design of the Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram and even Ellora’s Kailasa Temple!

2. Mallikarjuna Temple

• Right next to Virupaksha

• Built by Trailokya Mahadevi, Vikramaditya’s second queen (clearly there was some healthy temple rivalry going on!)

• Slightly smaller but equally stunning

• Features miniature friezes and delicate carvings

3. Papanatha Temple

• A unique hybrid — has a Nagara-style shikhara, but a Dravidian layout

• Has fine sculptures of Nataraja, Vishnu, and Lakshmi-Narasimha

4. Galaganatha Temple

• A beautiful Nagara-style temple

• Houses a Shiva linga

• Carvings of Saptamatrikas, river goddesses, and a rare scene of Shiva slaying Andhakasura

5. Kashi Vishwanatha Temple

• Another gem in Nagara style

• Inspired by northern temple blueprints

• Compact but exquisite

6. Jambulinga Temple

• Houses Shiva as Linga

• Also features a dancing Shiva (Nataraja) on the outer walls

• Small in size, big on detail

7. Sangameshwara Temple

• Oldest among the lot

• Started by King Vijayaditya

• Heavy Dravidian style, richly carved plinth, and iconic gopuram

8. Chandrashekhara Temple, Kadasiddeshwara Temple, Jain Narayana Temple

• Smaller, lesser visited, but architectural gems in their own right

• Jain Narayana, in particular, stands out for being one of the few Jain temples from this period

Sculptural Highlights – Where Stories Get Frozen in Stone

What makes Pattadakal feel alive is how narratives are carved on every surface:

• Rama breaking Shiva’s bow

• Ravana lifting Mount Kailash

• Arjuna and Krishna with Gandiva

• Shiva as Bhikshatana

• Durga slaying Mahishasura

• Even elephants playing and dancers frozen mid-pose

This isn’t just architecture. It’s ancient cinema on stone.

The Vibe – Peaceful, Sunny, and Supercharged with Energy

You’ll find:

• Fewer tourists than Hampi

• No crazy commercialisation

• Locals doing puja inside centuries-old sanctums

• And the Malaprabha river quietly flowing nearby, like the site’s own background score

It’s calm. It’s clean. It’s raw beauty.

Food Recommendation Nearby

There aren’t luxury cafés, but simple, satisfying food awaits.

Hotel Mayura Chalukya (KSTDC), Badami

~20 km away (combine with Aihole/Badami trip)

Try:

• Jolad rotti meals (north Karnataka staple)

• Vegetable saagu + chapati

• Curd rice that fixes all heatstroke vibes

Also try local stalls in Pattadakal village for:

• Filter coffee

• Mirchi bhaji

• Fresh lime soda

Entry Details

• Entry Fee: ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (Foreigners)

• Children below 15: Free

• Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Guides available for a fee (or take me next time )

UNESCO World Heritage Recognition

• Inscribed: 1987

• Criteria:

“Outstanding examples of Chalukyan art and architecture, blending religious, political, and aesthetic innovation during the height of South Indian temple development.”