PATTADAKKAL
Location: 17 Kms from Bijapur, Karnataka
Attraction: Banashankari Temple
Best season: October to February
Main Languages: Kannada, Hindi, and English
Situated on the left bank of the Malaprabha River, Pattadakkal is a World Heritage Centre. The town has 10 major temples representing early Chalukyan architecture.
This place reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukyas from the seventh to the ninth centuries functioning as a royal commemorative site. The biggest temple here, dedicated to Virupaksha, has a massive gateway and several inscriptions.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Banashankari Temple: The quaint hamlet taking its name from the goddess Banashankari lays enroute to Badami. The powerful eight-armed goddess on a snarling gold lion guards the village where a huge fair is held, attracting thousands of devotees.
Virupaksha Temple: The biggest temple dedicated to Virupaksha is enclosed in a large quadrangle surrounded by small cells, has a massive gateway and several inscriptions.
According to one of these inscriptions, Lokamahadevi, wife of Vikramaditya II in commemoration of his conquest of Kanchi, built the temple.
Besides scenes from Mahabharata and Ramayana, there is a wonderful carving designed to look like an elephant from one side and buffalo from the other.
Mallikarjuna and Papanatha temples: These temples are dedicated to Virupaksha. In front of the temple, is a majestic 2.6 meters high Nandi? The Mallikarjuna and Papanatha temples are delicately chiseled, and rich in detail.
Besides these temples is a group of temples remarkable primarily, for representing two chief styles of Indian architecture, side by side.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest airport is at Belgaum, 180 kms away.
Rail: The nearest railway station is Badami, 29 kms, away.
Road: Pattadakkal is connected by road to: Badami (29 kms); Aihole (17 kms).
Local Transport: Cycle Rickshaws, Tongas, and City Bus Service.
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