PATTADAKKAL
Attraction : Banashankari Temple
Best season : October to February
Main Languages : Kannada, Hindi, 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 lies
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 metres 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.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
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, City Bus Service.
WHERE TO STAY
It is advisable to stay in Badami (29 kms) or
Bijapur (17 kms).
GENERAL INFORMATION
Main Festival: The Pattadakkal Dance Festival, organized annually by the
Government of Karnataka.
