Pattadakal monuments take a tourist back to the 7th and 8th century India. The monuments that you are going to find here were constructed during the Chalukya dynasty. Apparently, it is during this period that a blending of the northern and southern India architectural forms was achieved. Here you find an impressive series of 9 Hindu temples and a Jain Sanctuary.
Pattadakal monuments take a tourist back to the 7th and 8th century India. The monuments that you are going to find here were constructed during the Chalukya dynasty. Apparently, it is during this period that a blending of the northern and southern India architectural forms was achieved. Here you find an impressive series of 9 Hindu temples and a Jain Sanctuary.
In the Indian State of Karnataka, you are going to find 3 closely located sites with a series of religious monuments that are bound to raise your interest in the region. They include;
- Aihole (ancient Aryapura) - This was considered the traditional laboratory of the Chalukya architecture. Among its most famous temples is the Temple of Ladkhan. This temple symbolized the success of King Pulakeshin I.
- Badami
- Pattadakal, the 'City of the Crown Rubies' (Pattada Kisuvolal) – This city illustrates the apogee of the eclectic art in the 7th and 8th centuries.
Pattadakal is nestled between the Malaprabha River to the north and a small village to the south. It is considered some sort of holy city due to the impressive 8 Hindu Cities. Of these temples, the temple of Virupaksha is considered the most important. It was erected in 740 by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate the victory in 731 of her husband, King Vikramaditya II, over the Pallava. Slightly outside the main complex you are also going to find the Temple of Papanatha
The Temple of Virupaksha
This temple is a prominent cruciform that features 3 porches. Its majestic 3-storey tower and walls that features overhanging cornicles complete the picture of Chalukyan architecture. The walls are punctuated by narrow pilasters. It is decorated with statues that illustrate great themes from Siva Theology and mythology.
The abandon ruins and sanctuaries have a way of making you feel some nearness to deity. This ancient holy site is perhaps one of the best preserved Indian religious sites from the 7th and 8th centuries. You will have missed a lot of history if you do not create some time to visit the ruins.