Who doesn’t love to see good art? Well if you’re seeking some sort of inspiration to give your creative mind a little boost or just wish to know some of the artistic creations of our ancestors, head down south at Pattadakal.
It is a representation of exquisite art which took shape of a harmonious blend of architectures. They were built in the 7th and 8th century under the Chalukya dynasty. It is a series of Hindu temples and a Jain sanctuary. The best one of all which grabs attention is the Temple of Virupaksha, built by Queen Lokamahadevi. The temples exhibit the ‘Vesara’ method of temple architecture. They depict a wonderful fusion of Dravidian (South-Indian) and Nagara (North-Indian) style.
It was titled a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. It is situated in the state of Karnataka on the left bank of Malaprabha River in Bagalkot district which is 514 km from Bangalore. Archaeological monuments Badami and Aihole are near Pattadakal as well.
Each year Pattadakal receives a large number of tourists who come from around the world. This place is an apt example of ‘beauty in ruins’. The stunning settlements appear to be majestic as you take note of the intricate skills that went into their making. Out of all, four of these temples are built in Dravidian style, four are in Nagara style and Papanatha Temple illustrates a perfect mixture of both styles of architecture. Here are the temples grouped at Pattadakal.
The temple is perhaps the oldest one of all in this group. It was built by King Vijayaditya Satyashraya during 697 -733 AD. It has a rustic appeal to its colossal structure.
Sangameshwara Temple
Picture credits: Sanyam Bahga / Wikipedia |
It was built in 745 AD by Queen Lokamahadevi to celebrate her to commemorate her husband’s victory over the Pallavas of Kanchi. It became the brainwave for Kailashnath Temple at Ellora. It is famous for its artistic structures like Lingodbhava, Nataraja, Ravananugraha and Ugranarasimha.
Virupaksha Temple
Picture credits: Dineshkannambadi / Wikipedia |
It is built in the same year as Virupaksha Temple by Trilokya Mahadevi, who was the second queen of Vikramaditya II. The purpose was to signify the memory of Chalukyas victory over Pallavas. The sculptures and complete architecture of the temple was based on the lines of Virupaksha Temple.
It was built by the Rashtrakutas in the 8th century. It has the Nagar style of architecture. However, only the sanctum and a passage are left in this temple.
Mallikarjuna and Kashivishwanatha Temples
Picture credits: Manjunath nikt / Wikipedia |
The only temple designed in the form of Dravidian and Nagara style architecture. The temple dates back to 680 AD. The sculptures of this temple are inspired by the scenes of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Papanatha Temple
Picture credits: Dineshkannambadi / Wikipedia |
It is situated on the Pattadakal-Badami Road constructed by the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta in the 9th century. It is built in the Dravidian style architecture.
Jain Temple
Picture credits: Dineshkannambadi / Wikipedia |
Jambuling Temple is inspired by the Hucchimalli Guddi at Aihole. The temple consists of the image of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati along with Nandi. It also has a horseshoe-shaped projection in its exteriors.
Kadasiddeshvara Temple has a sculpture of Shiva holding a Trishul. It is the twin of Jambulinga Temple. The outer wall has several idols of Shiva, Parvathi and Vishnu.
It was built a century later in the Nagara architecture style and contains a sculpture of Lord Shiva killing the demon Andhakasura. It was constructed in the first half of the 8th century.
Temples are said to be ‘God’s House’ and we would not be happy to see it in ruins but rather protect its existence as a memory of our ancestors. Free Press Journal requests its reader to come forward and work for the maintenance of such artistic monuments which are meant to be a delightful experience for generations ahead.
Story compiled with inputs from:
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