Brief
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Pattadakal, situated 22 km from Badami, hosts monuments whose architecture showcases India’s old, rich and fabulous culture. The carvings and sculptures provide enough evidence about the vision and prudence of the kings of olden times. The monuments comprises of a cluster of ten temples, out of which nine are Hindu temples. Four of the temples are constructed in Dravidian style, four in the Nagara style and the Papanatha temple is designed in mixed style. Pattadakal monuments were built in adulation to Vikramaditya II by his Queen to commemorate his victory over the Pallavas of Kanchi is set amidst pretty lawns. Though the construction of some temples remained incomplete, they still look attractive and enchanting. Gods, demons and women were pretty much the subject the ancient sculptors adorned. It is amazing, how the whole complex has survived the ravages of time.
  
History
Pattadakal, situated in Karnataka, under the Chalukya Dynasty, achieved a harmonious blend of architectural forms from the north and south of India. An impressive series of nine Hindu temples, as well as a Jain sanctuary can be seen there. In this group one masterpiece stands out - the Temple of Virupaksha, built around 740 by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband's victory over the kings from the south. Pattadakal represents the culmination of early Chalykyan art. Four of the temples here are in the south Indian Dravidian architectural style while four are in the north Indian Nagara style while Papanatha temple exhibits a hybrid style. Pattadakal had once been the rich capital of the Chalukyas. During 7th - 8th century, Pattadakal Temples were got constructed by the Chalukya rulers. Portraying the rare specimen, the temples depict a wonderful blend of Dravidian (South-Indian) and Nagara (North-Indian) architectural styles. The phrase 'beauty in ruins' goes exactly with the town of Pattadakal. The beautiful settlement appears majestic with its series of nine temples. The sculptural art of these temples is marked by classiness of the Chalukya dynasty. Pattadakal emerges as a heavenly site with its superb architectural marvels in a picture-perfect lane. The distinct styles and patterns of various temples reveal the designers' intelligence at a stretch. The temples of Pattadakal receive myriad number of tourists, who come from the distant lands, round the year.  

Temples In Pattakadal  

Virupaksha Temple:- In 745, Virupaksha Temple was built by Queen Lokamahadevi to celebrate her husband's victory (Vikramaditya II) over the Pallavas of Kanchi. The temple was erected on the structural lines of Kailashnath Temple (Kanchi); however Virupaksha became the brainwave for Kailashnath Temple at Ellora. The temple is renowned for its affluent structures like Lingodbhava, Nataraja, Ravananugraha and Ugranarasimha.

Mallikarjuna Temple:-  In 745, Mallikarjuna Temple was built by Trilokya Mahadevi, who was the second queen of Vikramaditya II. The purpose behind the erection of a temple was to commemorate the victory of the Chalukyas over the Pallavas. Mallikaarjuna Temple was modeled on the lines of Virupaksha Temple. The temple is celebrated for its artistic sculpture.|

Papanatha Temple:- Papanatha Temple is the only temple that has been designed on both north and south Indian styles of architecture. Containing a Nagara styled Vimanam, the temple dates back to 680 AD. Initially, the construction was started with Nagara style, but later it was switched to Dravidian style. The temple is famous for its sculptures that are imbibed from the scenes of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Jain Temple:- Sited on Pattadakal-Badami Road, Jain Temple was constructed by the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta. Built in the Dravidian style, the temple comprises really beautiful sculptures. Perhaps, it was erected either by King Amoghavarsha I or his son Krishna II in the 9th century.

Jambulinga Temple:- Built in Nagara style, Jambulinga Temple is built on the lines of Hucchimalli' Guddi at Aihole. The temple houses the image of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati along with Nandi. Jambulinga Temple has a horseshoe-shaped projection in its exteriors.

Sangamesvara Temple:- Perhaps the oldest temple in the group, Sangameshvara Temple was built by King Vijayaditya Satyashraya during 697 -733 AD. This incomplete temple appeals with its colossal structure.