Pattadakal

Set amidst a quaint landscape along the banks of the Malaprabha River, Pattadakal a UNESCO World Heritage Site was the second capital of the Badami Chalukyans between the 7th and 8th centuries. Located in Bijapur district of Karnataka , Pattadakal was not only the capital of the Chalukyans, but the place where all coronations took place. The village Pattadakkal houses some of the finest monuments, sculptures and magnificent temples which represents the glory of the Early Chalukya achievement during the 7th and 8th centuries. 

Referred to as Petrigal in the Ist Century AD by Ptolemy (a great geographer), Pattadakal was known variously as Raktapura (Red Town) and Pattadakal Kisuvolal (means stone of coronation). This was once used as a ceremonial centre where kings were crowned and commemorated. Pattada means coronation of Kings and hence the place name Pattadakal. 

Stand in a landscaped compound entered at the northwest corner, most of the temples here were raised by the various Chalukya rulers. Built out of the pink-tinged gold sandstone, some are in the southern Draviday temple architecture of the Pallavas, while others have northern curvilinear towers. The sacred temple complex of Pattadakal consists of 10 major temples, each resplendent with beautifully textured carvings and pillars.

Kadasidheshvara and Jambulinga Temples (8th Century)

Situated just inside the entrance , these twin temples are very small and now partly ruined. Both temple have curved spires decorated with horseshoe - shaped arches and ribbed elements. Thee shrine of the Jambulinga temple houses a figures of the Dancing Shiva (Natraja) next to Parvati and Nandi (Bull). The Kadasiddeshvara temple houses a sculpture of Shiva holding a Trishul (Trident) in his hands.

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