The first temples to be built in the distinctive Hindu vesara style are to be found here, the culmination of several other, older temple architecture types also represented within this group of stunning buildings. There are ten in all, forming an ochre-coloured, symbolic sandstone microcosm against the peaceful, green horizon. The Virupaksha Temple is the most famous of these, built for Queen Lokamahadevi around the year 740 as a gift to her husband, to commemorate his victory over the Pallavas. Others include the Galganatha Temple to Shiva, and the Jain temple, both of which contain several beautiful sculptures.

Written by  larapiegeler.

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Group of Monuments at Pattadakal

Pattadakal, in Karnataka, represents the high point of an eclectic art which, in the 7th and 8th centuries under the Chalukya dynasty, achieved a harmonious blend of architectural forms from northern and southern India. An impressive series of nine Hindu temples, as well as a Jain sanctuary, can be seen there. One masterpiece from the group stands out – the Temple of Virupaksha, built c. 740 by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband's victory over the kings from the South.

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Review posted 7th December 2007 by World Reviewer Staff.

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