It is 17 Kms from Bijapur, situated in the left bank of the Malaprabha River. It has 10 major temples representing early Chalukyan architecture. The place reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukyas from the seventh to the ninth centuries functioning as the royal commemorative site. The biggest temple here, dedicated to Virupaksha, has a massive gateway and several inscriptions.

Banashankari Temple; - The small village taking its name from the goddess lies enroute to Badami. The powerful eight-armed goddess on a snarling gold lion guards the village; it attracts thousands of devotees. Virupaksha Temple: - It was built by Lokamahadevi, wife of Vikramaditiya 11 in commemoration of his conquest of Kanchi, now called Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. 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? Malikarjuna and Papanatha temples These temples are delicately chiselled and rich in detail.

If you wish to see more pictures of Pattadakal visit www.webshots.com Community and select SSIVA3

Beat way to travel. Refer to my articles on Hampi, Badami and Aihole.