Pattadakal – Coronation Stone

A UNESCO world heritage site, Pattadakal is a short drive away from Badami.

Located on the banks of Malaprabha river, Pattadakal was the historical location where Chalukya kings were crowned, as it was considered a holy place.(also supported by the inscription ascribed to Kirttivarman II, the last early chalukyan ruler). Vijayaditya was the first ruler to be crowned here.The complex consists of 7 temples inside the area cordoned off the ASI and 2 temples outside.

Source: Badami, Aihole & Pattadakal, George Michell

The main temples of interest are:

Galaganatha temple

An exact copy of the Svarga bramha temple in Alampur – Andhra Pradesh, this temple stands out because of its beautifully preserved Nagara style tower and unique image of Shiva wearing a garland of skulls and spearing the demon adhalaka.

Sangameshvara temple

Started by king Vijayaditya, this temple was unfinished during his reign and was probably completed by a later chalukya king. The large proportions of this temple along with its beautiful windows and wall panels makes it a very good example of dravidian style architecture.

Virupaksha temple

Built to commemorate Vikramaditya II’s victory over Pallavas, this temple is the highlight of Pattadakal and depicts the best of early chalukyan art & architecture. This is the only functioning temple in the entire complex and is a grand statement of Chalukyan architecture.

Panels on the exterior walls are filled with images of various hind gods & goddesses and each window is carved in a different design.

The pillars of the main halls are richly detailed with stories from the Epics of Ramayana, Mahabharatha and other Hindu scriptures.

The idol of Durga killing mahishasur is place in a small niche next to the main sanctum sanctorum and is one of the best idols that we have seen.

Mallikarjuna  temple

Built by Trilokamahadevi to honor her husband’s victory over Pallavas, this temple is a smaller version of the Virupaksha temple – similar in design and art work.

Pillar carving depicting Krisha’s life – Mallikarjuna Temple, Pattadakal

Ceiling carving – Mallikarjuna Temple, Pattadakal

Shiva – Mallikarjuna Temple, Pattadakal

Churning of Ocean – Mallikarjuna Temple, Pattadakal

Churning of Ocean – Mallikarjuna Temple, Pattadakal

Papanatha  temple

Walk towards the river bank in front of Virupaksha temple and to your left, you will see a well maintained complex, which is the Papanatha temple.

The ceiling panels in the hall have been given a lot of attentions and the image of dancing shiva is well preserved.

Thanks for reading. Please do spread the word and help other travelers 🙂

This is a sub post in the Explore Badami post. Please do read the main post for more information.