Pattadakal is very special place in north Karnataka when we talk about Heritage and Chalukya monuments. This UNESCO world heritage site is in Bagalkote district of Karnataka state of India and is easily approachable from Badami & Aihole. This place has temples from 7th & 8th century and most of these are Hindu or jain temples on the bank of Malaprabha river. I visited Pattadakal temples while I was on Karanataka tour and it was certainly a very special experience. This post shares more about Pattadakal Temples, some tips & other places to explore in this region of Karnataka state.
UNESCO defines Pattadakal as harmonious blend of architectural forms from North & the South India. These hindu temples are usually dedicated to Shiva but some elements of Vaishnavism & Shaktism can also be found around Pattadakal. Many stories of Ramayana, Mahabharata & Bhagvada Geeta are depicted through intricate arts on the walls of these temples.
This is a huge compound full of temples and surrounding with sufficient green landscapes. I loved the part that Pattadakal temple complex is maintained pretty well.
There are 2 temples where worship happens in this complex. One is Shiva temple and there is another open temple with huge monolithic nandi. We visited both of these temples along with others to take blessings.
Pattadakal Temple complex is maintained by Archeological Survey of India.
Let's talk about some fundamental details around Pattadakal, which would help you plan your trip in a better way -
How to Reach : October to Feb (feb onwards it starts getting hot and unbearable in summers)
Best time to visit : 8am to 5:30pm
Entry Fees : 25 Rs
Parking charges : 20 Rs
Camera Charges : (don't remember clearly)
There are 9 hindu temples in Pattadakal complex in Karnataka. The oldest one is Sangameshwara temple which is dedicated to lord Shiva and a great example of Chalukyan architecture. Temples of Pattadakal include - Virupaksha temple, Mallikarujuna Temple, Papanatha Temple, Jambulinga temple, Samgameshwara & Jain temples.
While visiting Pattadakal, you can also plan places like Badami Cave Temples and Aihole.
One thing to notice here is that all these temples are in same complex so you don't need to drive around to visit these popular temples of Pattadakal. That's the same reason why I haven't highlighted each temple separately.
Above photograph shows one of the extremes of Pattadakal temple complex and this part is near to the river. Close to this tree, there is a temple with monolithic nandi, where surrounding people come for the worship. There is a village close to this complex.
Here is one place inside Pattadakal Temple complex where worship happens. One needs to take off the shoes to visit this Temple, otherwise one can visit other temples in the complex with shoes.
Above photograph shows Shiva temple at Pattadakkal where worship happens. This temple has a shivalingam installed inside it, which you can see in above photograph.
I enjoyed my visit to Pattadakal and also celebrated the wonderful time around Badami & other popular destinations in Karnataka state of India. More to follow.
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