VIRUPAKSHA TEMPLEPATTADAKAL

INTRODUCTIONThe temple is situated at Pattadakal, the cultural capital of Chalukyans.It was built in 745 A.D. by queen Lokamahadevi of Vikramaditya ||The temple was constructed in southern Dravidian style.The prevailing deity of the temple is Lord Shiva.

The whole temple complex is oriented in east-west axis with two massive towers at east &west.

As we enter the eastern gateway the first structure is the Nandi Mandapa followed by a Sabha Mandapa (open hall) with three porches and a connecting corridor to the Garbhagriha.

INTERESTING FEATURES

One of the artistic features were the many fluted towers projecting over the boldly executed outer walls.

When the temple is viewed from a distance the compound wall looks as if it is the lower storey of the temple (with towers protruding over it) and the temple looks much larger.

Episodes from the Ramayana are depicted on the pillars of the sabha- mandapa