Pattadakal is well-known for the group of the 8th century monuments. The monuments at Pattadakal are listed in the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. The distinctiveness of monuments at Pattadakal gains from the presence of both the Dravidian and the Nagara (Indo-Aryan) styles of temple architecture. There are ten temples including a Jain sanctuary surrounded by many small shrines and plinths. Four temples are constructed in the Dravidian style, four in the Nagara style of Northern India and the Papanatha temple in mixed style
Sangamesvara Temple: This temple was constructed by king Vijayaditya during the 8 century AD. The Sangamesvara Temple is dedicated to lord Siva is one of the best examples of the high architectural standards maintained by the Chaluykan architecture.
Virupaksha Temple: The Virupaksha temple was built by Queen Lokamahadevi in 745 to honor her husband’s (Vikramaditya II) victory over the Pallavas of Kanchi. The temple is similar to the Kailashnatha temple in Kanchi. The Virupaksha temple is rich in sculptures like those of lingodbhava, Nataraja, Ravananugraha and Ugranarasimha
Mallikarjuna Temple: The Mallikarjuna Temple is a smaller version of the Virupaksha temple and it was built by Vikramadiyta’s second queen Trilokyamahadevi in 745.
Papanatha temple: The Papanatha temple was built in 680 in the vesara style of architecture. Initially, the temple was started in Nagara style but later changed to a Dravidian style. Sculptures at the Papanatha temple speak of scenes from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha
Chandrashekhara temple It is a small temple has a Shivalinga and a small hall. Chandrashekhara temple is situated left of the Sangameshvara temple.
Kadasiddhesvara and Jambulingeswara temples These 7th century temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kadasiddhesvara and Jambulingeswara temples are built in Nagara style of architecture.
Jambulinga temple is located behind the Galaganatha temple. This temple has idols of Nandi and Virabhadra (guards of Lord Shiva). Idols of Shiva and Vishnu are there in the niches of the outer wall. Kadasiddheshvara temple The outer wall of the temple consists of many idols of Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu and many more Hindu deities. Jain Temple Jain Temple is beautifully built in Dravidian style of architecture in 9th century by the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta