Mallikarjuna Temple Pattadakal

Karnataka is a paradise to the people who have a passion for temples since the state houses a number of outstanding places of worship like the Mallikarjuna Temple, Pattadakal. The temple architecture in the southern peninsula of India especially in the state of Karnataka is absolutely different from that of the east, west or the north.

The temples of the south particularly the Mallikarjuna Temple, Pattadakal in Karnataka exhibits the extraordinary craftsmanship and expertize of the artisans and the love and passion of the people for art and architecture, especially of the rulers without whose patronage the temples would not have been built.

One of the best temples of the South Indian style is the Mallikarjuna Temple, Pattadakal of Karnataka. This temple was constructed by the queens of Vikramaditya II (734-44) in commemoration of his victorious march against Kanchi, the Pallava capital.

The magnificent temple is noted for the nicely carved lively figures on its walls and the massive square pillars in sand stone. Pattadakal is known as Kisuvolal (`Red Town') since the sand stone available here is reddish in color.

The Mallikarjuna Temple, Pattadakal at Karnataka marks the climax of early Chalukya architecture and is believed to be based on the Kailasanatha Temple in Kanchipurum.

So, next time you go to the beautiful state of Karnataka, never ever forget to include the name of the magnificent temple of Mallikarjuna Temple at Pattadakal in your tour list. The grand temple architecture is surely going to leave you awe-stricken.