India/Aihole Village (Bagalkot district of Karnataka) Part 62
Welcome to my travelchannel.On my channel you can find almost 1000 films of more than 70 countries.
See the playlist on my youtube channel.Enjoy!
Aihoḷe
Aihoḷe is a village having a historic temple complex in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India and located 510 km from Bangalore. It is known for Chalukyan architecture, with about 125 stone temples dating from 5th century CE, and is a popular tourist spot in north Karnataka. It lies to the east of Pattadakal, along the Malaprabha River, while Badami is to the west of both. With its collection of architectural structures, Aihoḷe temple complex is on the pending list of UNESCO World heritage sites.
Aihoḷe was earlier known as Ayyavoḷe and Aryapura in its inscriptions. It was established in 450 CE as first capital of Chalukya kings and has about 125 stone temples, some which were constructed as experimental structures by artisans of Chalukyan period. A place known by as Morera Angadigalu near the Meguti hillocks has a large number of cysts of pre-historic period. The place was an agraharam. Aihoḷe has been described as a cradle of temple architecture. Some brick structures of pre-Chalukyan times have also been excavated in this village.
Poetry on stone at the Meguti temple (Aihole inscription) dated 634 CE, in Sanskrit language and old Kannada script
An important 8th century inscription in Old Kannada language and script at the Lad Khan temple records a grant to Brahmins
According to mythology Aihole is where Parashurama washed his axe after killing the Kshatriyas. Aihole has historical significance and is called the 'cradle of Hindu rock architecture' (cradle of Indian architecture).
Pulakeshin I, one of the greatest rulers of this dynasty, moved the capital to Badami nearby. Badami was then known as Vatapi. It is from these temples that the Chalukyas gained their experience and went on to build the great temples of Pattadakal.The first phase of temple building in Aihole dates back to the fifth–sixth century, the second phase up to the 12th century CE.
The Temples
Durga temple, Aihole
Durga temple, Aihole
Durga temple, Aihole
Lad Khan Temple, Aihole
Ravana Phadi cave, Aihole
Konti Gudi (lit Konti temple), Aihole
Inside the Ravana Phadi cave temple, Aihole
Mallikarjuna temple complex, Aihole
Two-story Buddhist Chaitya (lit Buddhist hall)
Hucchimalli Gudi (lit Mad Malli's temple), Aihole
Galaganatha group of monuments
Basavanna temple at Aihole
The prominent temple groups at Aihole are the Kontigudi group and the Galaganatha group of temples, although historians have divided all the temples into 22 groups.
Three temples are referred to as the 'Kontigudi group of temples'. One of these is the Lad Khan temple (the oldest at Aihole is the Lad khan temple dating back to the fifth century[11]), named after a mendicant that lived in this temple in the 19th century, another the Huchiappayyagudi temple and the Huchiappayya math.Wikipedia
Rayappa Kasi Inside Mallikarjuna Temple, UNESCO, Pattadakal, India
Pattdakal temple. Badami.Bagalakot district karnataka (india) ll by Govindrai Raikar
Pattadakal (pattada-kisuvolal of the inscriptions), where the early chalukya kings used to be crowned, is one of the three great centres of experimentation in temple architecture, the other two being aihole and badami. it is here that the rekhanagara prasada and dravida vimana styles of temple architecture were given their finel form. the papanatha, kasivisveshvara, jambulinga and galaganatha temples noted for their curvilinear sikhara represent the former style, while the mallikarjuna, sagameshvara and virupaksha temples having a square roof of receding tiers represent the letter. the lokeshvara (virupaksha) and trailokeshvara (mallikarjun) built respectively by lokamahadevi and tralokamahadevi, the queens of vikramahadevi and trailokamahadevi, the queens of vikramaditya ll, to commemorate his victory over the pallavas of kanchi, are dated 740-45 a.d.
the early chalukyan sculptural art noted for its grace and vigour, rich imagination and delicate details is best represented in the papanatha, virupaksha and mallikarjuna temple, where besides Gods, demi - gods and human figures, narratives from the Rramayana Mahabharata and bhagavata can be seen.
thanks for watching. like share & subscribe my channel
Govindrai Raikar
govindrairaikar
#Pattdakaltemple #Badami #Bagalakot #Karnataka #pattadakal
Galaganatha Temple Complex, Aihole
Galaganatha Temple - Pattadkal
Galaganatha Temple, Pattadkal You are now standing in front of the most evolved ...
Rayappa Kasi UNESCO Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal, India
India/Beautiful Aihole Village/Karnataka Part 63
Welcome to my travelchannel.On my channel you can find almost 1000 films of more than 70 countries.
See the playlist on my youtube channel.Enjoy!
Aihoḷe
Aihoḷe is a village having a historic temple complex in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India and located 510 km from Bangalore. It is known for Chalukyan architecture, with about 125 stone temples dating from 5th century CE, and is a popular tourist spot in north Karnataka. It lies to the east of Pattadakal, along the Malaprabha River, while Badami is to the west of both. With its collection of architectural structures, Aihoḷe temple complex is on the pending list of UNESCO World heritage sites.
Aihoḷe was earlier known as Ayyavoḷe and Aryapura in its inscriptions. It was established in 450 CE as first capital of Chalukya kings and has about 125 stone temples, some which were constructed as experimental structures by artisans of Chalukyan period. A place known by as Morera Angadigalu near the Meguti hillocks has a large number of cysts of pre-historic period. The place was an agraharam. Aihoḷe has been described as a cradle of temple architecture. Some brick structures of pre-Chalukyan times have also been excavated in this village.
Poetry on stone at the Meguti temple (Aihole inscription) dated 634 CE, in Sanskrit language and old Kannada script
An important 8th century inscription in Old Kannada language and script at the Lad Khan temple records a grant to Brahmins
According to mythology Aihole is where Parashurama washed his axe after killing the Kshatriyas. Aihole has historical significance and is called the 'cradle of Hindu rock architecture' (cradle of Indian architecture).
Pulakeshin I, one of the greatest rulers of this dynasty, moved the capital to Badami nearby. Badami was then known as Vatapi. It is from these temples that the Chalukyas gained their experience and went on to build the great temples of Pattadakal.The first phase of temple building in Aihole dates back to the fifth–sixth century, the second phase up to the 12th century CE.
The Temples
Durga temple, Aihole
Durga temple, Aihole
Durga temple, Aihole
Lad Khan Temple, Aihole
Ravana Phadi cave, Aihole
Konti Gudi (lit Konti temple), Aihole
Inside the Ravana Phadi cave temple, Aihole
Mallikarjuna temple complex, Aihole
Two-story Buddhist Chaitya (lit Buddhist hall)
Hucchimalli Gudi (lit Mad Malli's temple), Aihole
Galaganatha group of monuments
Basavanna temple at Aihole
The prominent temple groups at Aihole are the Kontigudi group and the Galaganatha group of temples, although historians have divided all the temples into 22 groups.
Three temples are referred to as the 'Kontigudi group of temples'. One of these is the Lad Khan temple (the oldest at Aihole is the Lad khan temple dating back to the fifth century[11]), named after a mendicant that lived in this temple in the 19th century, another the Huchiappayyagudi temple and the Huchiappayya math.Wikipedia
Hindu Temples Group of Monuments at Pattadakal Karnataka UNESCO World Heritage
Pattadakal (Kannada - ಪಟ್ಟದ್ಕಲ್ಲು, Pattadakalu) is a village in Karnataka. It lies on the banks of the Malaprabha River in Bagalkot district. It is 22 km from Badami and about 10 km from Aihole. It is well known for its historic temples.The group of 8th century monuments in Pattadakal are the culmination of the earliest experiments in the vesara style of Hindu temple architecture. The town displays both Dravidian (Southern) and the Nagara (Northern, Indo-Aryan) styles of temple architecture.
UNESCO in 1987 included Pattadakal in its list of World Heritage sites.
•Papanatha Temple is located to the south of the Virupaksha has a portico, main hall, big antechamber and the sanctum with encircled path way. At the doorway of the inner hall are idols of door-keepers, Nandi and Virabhadra. There are 16 pillars in the main hall, which have fine figures of couples and carved figures of females. The ceiling has impressive figures of Shiva-Parvathi with Vishnu and the gandharvas. To the north-west, on the wall is a notable figure of a royal court. Amorous couples and decorative carvings are found in several parts of the temple. On the external walls are figures of lion and elephant riders and Ramayana scenes. The temple appears to have built in stages. The sanctum has a rekhanagara tower. The temple appears to have built in 680.
• To the left of the Sangameshvara is the small Chandrashekhara temple. Its architectural style is very simple, without any idols or fragile carvings. This small shrine consists of sanctum with a Shivalinga and a small hall. Only one idol of doorkeeper remains now.
• Behind the Galaganatha temple is the shrine of Jambulinga. It has a sanctum with a shukanasa and a navaranga. At the doorway of the shukanasa are idols of Shiva's guards Nandi and Virabhadra. In the shrine is the linga. The outer wall niches of the sancyum have idols of Shiva (Lakulisha) and Vishnu. It has a small rekhanagara tower.
•To the north, Very close to the jambulinga shrine, is the shrine of Kadasiddheshvara. In size and architecture it is similar to that of Jambulinga. There are several well executed idols of Shiva, Parvathi and Vishnu and other divinities on the outer wall.
•To the north of the Mallikarjuna temple is the temple of Kashi-Vishveshvara of which only the sanctum and a passage is left. On the pillars of the inner passage, female figures are engraved in high relief. On the ceiling, Somaskanda is represented. Its sanctum has a rekhanagara tower. The structure is presumably of the 8th century.
• Apart from these major temples, several small Shiva shrines are seen here.
• According to the inscription on a Shaiva stone pillar found near the Virupaksha, Sangameshvara and Mallikarjuna temples, this pillar with a trident emblem was put up by Jnana Shivacharya, who hailed from Mrigathanikahara, on the north bank of the Ganges. It also states about the gift of land by him to the Vijayeshvara.
•The abundance of Shiva temples here clearly indicates that the place was a great Shaiva centre in ancient times.
Aihole historical pleace badami. Bagalakot district. karnataka (india)
Aihole(aryapur of the inscriptions) occupies a unique place in the history of temple architecture in india. it was the experimenting ground for the earlychalukyan kings (450-750 A.D) to build structural temples from the midfifth Century onwards. within the ancient fortifications alonethere are fifty temples and fifty more can be seen outside. most of them are vaishanavite temples later converted into saivite ones. among them the following groups are important,
A) huchimalli temple, B)chilli temple, C) ambiger temple, D) Durga temple, E) gaudar, ladkhan. and suryanarayana temple complex, F) chakragudi and Badiger temple, G) Rachi temple, H) eniyar temples complex, I) hucchhappayya math complex, J) Kunti temple complex, k) charanti math complex, L) tryambakesvara group, M) gauri temple, N) jaina temple in the villege, O) mallikarjuna temples complex, P) Jaina temple on the hill, Q) meguti temple, R) jyotirlinga group, S) rock - cut caves.(Ravan phadi) T) hucchhappayya temple, U) galaganatha temples complex, V) rambling groups,
The early temples namely the gaudar, ladkhan.kunti.and hucchhappayya math are of the pavilion type with a slightly sloping roof. the first phase of early chalukyan architecture ended with the construction of the meguti temple which is incidentally the earliest dated (634 A.D) structural temple in india. here the inscription mentions the poet kalidasa.
thank for watching
like share subscribe my Channel
Govindrai Raikar
govindrairaikar
#Aiholehistoricalpleace #badami #aihole #Bagalakot #Karnataka #govindrairaikar
Hucchimalli temple, Aihole 02
Group of Monuments at Pattadakal Karnataka Reflect Rich Culture And Heritage | Group of Monuments
Group of Monuments at Pattadakal Karnataka Reflect Rich Culture And Heritage | Group of Monuments at Pattadakal Karnataka Most Famous Historical Monuments of India | Group of Monuments at Pattadakal Karnataka Photos and Videos
Chalukyan rulers were not only empire builders, but great patrons of art whose encouragement prompted the artists and craftsmen to experiment and innovate in different architectural styles and giving it a new dimension. It is in their period that transition from rock-cut medium to structural temples took place.Pattadakal located in Bijapur district of Karnataka was not only popular for Chalukyan architectural activities but also a holy place for royal coronation, 'Pattadakisuvolal'. Temples constructed here mark the blending of the Rekha, Nagara, Prasada and the Dravida Vimana styles of temple building.The oldest temple at Pattadakal is Sangamesvara built by Vijayaditya Satyasraya (AD 697-733). The other notable temples at Pattadakal are the Kadasiddhesvara, Jambulingeswara both attributed to 7th century A.D. while Galaganatha temple was built a century later in the style of rekha nagara prasada. The Kasivisvesvara temple was the last to be built in early Chalukyan style. The Mallikarjuna temple was constructed by Rani Trilokyamahadevi to celebrate the victory over the Pallavas by Vikramaditya II. She is also credited to have built the Virupaksha temple influenced by the architecture of the Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram. The Virupaksha temple later served as a model for the Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna I (757 -783 A.D.) to carve out the great Kailasa at Ellora.However, the last addition at Pattadakal was made during the reign of Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna II of the 9th century A.D. in form of a Jaina temple, locally famous as Jaina Narayana, with its two lower storeys functional.
Subscribe us on Youtube
Create Your Free Website - on
Post Free Ads:
International Classifieds
Beauty of Most Ancient Art & Culture Aihole UNESCO World Heritage
Aihoḷe has the potential to be included as a UNESCO World heritage site.Aihoḷe (Kannada ಐಹೊಳೆ) is a temple complex in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. It is a very popular tourist spot in north Karnataka. It lies to the east of Pattadakal, along the Malaprabha River, while Badami is to the west of both.
Aihoḷe was known as Ayyavoḷe and Aryapura in its inscriptions. It was a prominent city of the Chalukya Dynasty. A place known by the name Morera Angadigalu near the Meguti hillocks has a large number of cists of pre-historic period. The place was an agraharam. The village has 125 temples divided into 22 groups by the archaeological department. Aihoḷe has been described as one of the cradles of temple architecture.
Early inscriptions call this town Āryapura and Ārya-vole.[2] According to mythology Aihole is the place where Parashurama washed his axe after killing the Kshatriyas.[citation needed] Aihole has historical significance and is called as cradle of Hindu rock architecture (Cradle of Indian architecture). Many temples and caves of historical importance can be found at Aihole.Aihole was the first capital of the early Chalukyas.Here they built over 125 temples in various styles and is said to be a laboratory of experiments in rock cut architecture. Pulakesi I, one of the greatest rulers of this dynasty, moved the capital to Badami nearby. Badami was then known as Vatapi.The famous Badami Chalukyas King Pulakeshi II (610-642 A.D.) was a follower of Vaishnavism. The inscription of Ravikirti, his court poet, is a eulogy of the Pulakeshi II and is available at the Meguti temple. It is dated 634 CE and is written in Sanskrit language and old Kannada scrip.Aihole, was the cradle of ancient Hindu temple architecture.[9] It has more than 70 temples. The experimentation with different styles was undertaken by the artisans. The artisans worked on the rocks to create the earliest rock cut shrines. The artisans graduated to the full fledged Chalukya style of architecture.Durga temple or fortress temple is the best known of the Aihole temples and is very photogenic. It is apsidal in plan, along the lines of a Buddhist chaitya, a high moulded adisthana and a tower - curvilinear shikhara. A pillared corridor runs around the temple, enveloping the shrine, the mukhamantapa and the sabhamantapa. All through the temple, there are beautiful carvings. The temple appears to be of the late 7th or early 8th century.Please visit for more info ( ) Thanks wikipedia.
Temple of Shiva, and Jain Temple history of Aihole with 3D view
Aihole is 22 miles (35 km) from Badami and about 6 miles (9.7 km) from Pattadakal, both of which are major centers of historically important Chalukya monuments. Aihole, along with nearby Badami (Vatapi), emerged by the 6th century as the cradle of experimentation with temple architecture, stone artwork, and construction techniques. This resulted in 16 types of free-standing temples and 4 types of rock-cut shrines. The experimentation in architecture and arts that began in Aihole yielded the group of monuments at Pattadakal, a UNESCO world heritage site.
Over one hundred Aihole temples are Hindu, a few are Jain and one is Buddhist. These were built and coexisted in close proximity. The site is spread over about 5 square kilometres (3.5 sq KM).The Hindu temples are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, Surya and other Hindu deities. The Jain Basadi temples are dedicated to Mahavira, Parshvanatha, Neminatha and other Jain Tirthankaras. The Buddhist monument is a monastery. Both Hindu and Jain monuments include monasteries, as well as social utilities such as step well water tanks with artistic carvings near major temples
PATTADAKAL, BAGALKOT, KARNATAKA, INDIA
UPLOADED BY PROF. AR. YOGRAJ V. RAOTE
PRESIDENT / DIRECTOR / PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT, INTERIOR DESIGNER & URBAN DESIGNER AT 'CODESIGN ARCHITECTS & URBAN DESIGNERS' (CAUD), SINCE 1939.
MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA / BELGAUM, KARNATAKA (INDIA)
Kontigudi group of temples, Aihole
The Kontigudi Group of Temples is situated near the center of the Aihole Bazaar in Aihole, Bagalkot District of several additions made later. The Kontigudi Group of Temples is in fact a set of four temples Karnataka. These temples were built in the 7th century AD with including the Lad Khan Temple, Huchiappayyagudi Temple, Hucchimalli Temple and the Huchiappayya Math. Known as the 'cradle of ancient temple architecture', Aihole is situated on the banks of River Malaprabha and has about 125 temples built in two phases, the first being 6th and 7th centuries AD, and the second cluster of temples constructed during the 12 th and 13th centuries AD. Among the temples of Aihole, the two most prominent groups are the Kontigudi Group and the Galaganatha Group.
Aihole is well connected to important places in Karnataka and a visit to this city of ancient temples is an enlightening experience. The best time to make a visit here is from October to March.
Aihole fort. part-1/2.
Recently visited Aihole for, i think, 4th time and had decided to see the Jain Temple on the hilltop. It is called Aihole fort. I used to miss it as none of my pals would want to go there. Even the so called guides also tried to refrain me from going there.. naturally - I went this time. :)
I thought I would not temper with the quality and so the size is huge for these 2 videos..
Moorusaviramath Hubli
Moorusaviramath is in the heart of the city Hubli, Karnataka, India. About 800 years ago, Sri Channabasavanna and his 3,000 disciples stayed here for some days on their way to the pilgrimage centre Ulavi. So this institution is named as Moorusaviramath.
Temples at Pattadakal
Pattadakal ( Pattada-Kisuvolal of the Inscriptions) where the early chalukyan kings used to be crowned, is one of the three great centres of experimentation in temple construction. The other tow being Aihole and Badami. It is here that the Rekhanagara prasada and Dravida Vimana styles of temple architecture were given their final form. The papanatha, kasivisvesvara,jambulinga and galaganatha temples noted for their curvilinear sikkara represent the former style, while the mallikarjuna, sangamesvara and viupaksha temples having a square roof of receding tiers represent the latter. The lokesvara(virupaksha) and trailokeshwara (mallikarjuna) built respectively by lokamahadevi and trailokamahadevi, the queens of Vikramaditya II. To Commemorate his victory over the pallavas of kanchi are dated 740-45 A.D on the basis of the pillar inscription put up to record a grant to the vijayesvara(Sangamesvara temple).
The early chalukyan sculptural art noted for its grace and vigour, rich imagination and delicate details is best represented in the pampanatha, virupaksha and mallikarjuna temples where besides Gods, Demi-Gods and Human Figures, narratives from the 'The Ramayana', Mahabharata and The Bhagvatha can be seen
A Brick pillared mandapa of the late satavahana period ( 3rd - 4th century A.D) laid bare in front of the sangamesvara temple in 1970 A.D by the Archaeological survey of India marks the earliest attempt to build temples at pattadakal. The latest one being the jaina temple of the Rashtrakuta period ( 9th Century A.D)
Pattadakal Ancient Temples UNESCO World Heritage 5
Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Pattadakal (Kannada - ಪಟ್ಟದ್ಕಲ್ಲು, Pattadakalu) is a village in Karnataka. It lies on the banks of the Malaprabha River in Bagalkot district. It is 22 km from Badami and about 10 km from Aihole. It is well known for its historic temples.The group of 8th century monuments in Pattadakal are the culmination of the earliest experiments in the vesara style of Hindu temple architecture. The town displays both Dravidian (Southern) and the Nagara (Northern, Indo-Aryan) styles of temple architecture.
• Another temple that of Sangameshvara, is in Dravidian style, and perhaps the oldest among the temples at this place, and consists of a sanctum, inner passage and navaranga. The sanctum and inner passage are enclosed by a path way for pradakshina, which has several lattices of different design, sculptured on the outer walls various figures like Ugranarasimha and Nataraja. The navaranga has 20 pillars in four rows. Its exterior walls have stone carved figures. The sanctum has a Dravidian tower. According to an inscription in Kannada dated 1162, it was built by the Early Chalukya king Vijayaditya and was named Vijayeshvara.
• To the north of the Virupaksha temple lies the Mallikarjuna which was formerly known as Trailokeshvara. It is in close proximity with the Sanghameshvara temple in design, construction and sculpture, but smaller in size. The porch has a beautiful image of Narasimha killing Hiranyakashipu and two female idols. Here are two grand images on both the sides of the entrance to the navaranga. The eighteen pillars of the navaranga have figures pertaining to Ramayana, Mahabharatha and those representing social conditions of those days. On the ceiling are beautiful figures of Gajalakshmi and Shiva-Parvathi with Nandi. On the external walls are sculptures like Shiva, Nandi, Lakulisha, Nataraja, etc. This temple was built by Trailokya Mahadevi, the queen of Vikramaditya II.'
•There is a Jaina temple on the Pattadakal-Badami road. It consists of a mukhamantapa, a navaranga, shukanasa and garbhagriha. Its construction may be of the 9th century.
•Galaganatha Temple lies to the north of the Virupaksha and faces the west. It has a navaranga, shukanasa and the sanctum with a linga. Around the sanctum is the circuit path way. In several niches are small figures of Kubera, Gajalakshmi and others. On the external wall niche of the circuit path way is a fine figure of Shiva. The rekhanagara style tower over the temple is very fine. It seems to have been constructed during the first half of the 8th century.
UNESCO World Heritage dynasty Monuments at Pattadakal KARNATAKA india 4
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. Pattadakal 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.
Three very closely located sites in the State of Karnataka provide a remarkable concentration of religious monuments dating from the great dynasty of the Chalukya (c. 543-757). There are the two successive capital cities - Aihole (ancient Aryapura), Badami, and Pattadakal, the 'City of the Crown Rubies' (Pattada Kisuvolal). The latter was, moreover, for a brief time the third capital city of the Chalukya kingdom; at the time the Pallava occupied Badami (642-55). While Aihole is traditionally considered the 'laboratory' of Chalukya architecture, with such monuments as the Temple of Ladkhan (c. 450) which antedate the dynasty's political successes during the reign of King Pulakeshin I, the city of Pattadakal illustrates the apogee of an eclectic art which, in the 7th and 8th centuries, achieved a harmonious blend of architectural forms from the north and south of India.
Situated between the Malaprabha River to the north, and a minuscule village to the south, Pattadakal possesses a sort of holy city comprised of an impressive series of eight Hindu temples dedicated to Siva. Somewhat off to the side, towards the village, is the ninth Sivaite sanctuary, the Temple of Papanatha, as well as a Jain temple. In the monumental complex of the central zone are structures whose design was strongly influenced by the architecture of northern India: the temples of Galaganatha and of Kashi Vishveshvara, which are noteworthy for their square-shaped shikharas with curved edges. They stand along with other temples of a pure Dravidian style - Sangameshvara, built between 696 and 733, and Mallikarjuna, built consecutively from 733-44. Cornices decorate the walls of these temples and the roofs are the complex, storeyed type found in southern architecture.
The unexpected and yet harmonious mixture of these styles provided the inspiration for the masterpiece of Chalukya art, the temple of Virupaksha. This Sivaite sanctuary was erected around 740 by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate the victory in 731 of her husband, King Vikramaditya II, over the Pallava and other sovereigns of southern India. The king's admiration for the art of his conquered enemies is borne out by two inscriptions that offer proof that he brought in from the south an architect and a team of sculptors.
Prominently jutting out from the cruciform temple are three porches, a typical Chalukyan feature. They blend perfectly with the majestic three-storey tower and the walls with their overhanging cornices punctuated by narrow pilasters that separate niches filled with marvellous statuary. An overall concept dictated the choice of statues which illustrate the great themes of Siva theology and mythology.
The evocative ruins of the numerous abandoned sanctuaries within the enclosure may be reached, on the west and east sides, through two monumental gates. In the axis of the courtyard, in front of the temple, is a beautiful pavilion containing a colossal black stone statue of Siva's sacred bull, Nandi. The puja, the ritual washing of the bull, takes place there every morning. Enhanced by its relative isolation south of the principal zone, the temple of Papanatha illustrates once again the aesthetic achievement resulting from the incorporation of two different styles. Papanatha has two rooms where the faithful can worship.
On the west is the principal sanctuary, which is covered with a powerful tower in the northern style; to the east is a more modest room, whose roof is crowned with miniature reproductions of buildings in the purest Dravidian style. Experts have found in the detail of the niches, the pediments and the arcature, many contradictory architectural references. The plastic unity of this great monument, however, comes from the remarkable sculptured decoration illustrating the popular epic of the Ramayana, dedicated to Prince Rama, incarnation of Vishnu.