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Pattadakal, Galaganatha Temple

Pattadakal also spelled Pattadakalu is a World Heritage site, a village and an important tourist centre on the left bank of the Malaprabha River in the state of Karnataka, India. It is close to Badami and Aihole, both of which are well known for Chalukya monuments.

Pattadakal, place for Chalukyas Coronation, was the capital of the Chalukya dynasty of Karnataka in Southern India. The Chalukyas built many temples here between the 7th and 9th century. There are ten temples including a Jain sanctuary surrounded by numerous small shrines and plinths in fusion of various Indian architectural styles (Rekha, Nagara, Prasada and Dravida Vimana). Four temples were built in Chalukya Dravidian style, four in Nagara style of Northern India and the Papanatha temple in mixed style. Nine Shiva temples and one Jaina basadi, situated along the northern course of the River, which is considered as very auspicious according to Holy Scriptures.

Galaganatha temple was built during the first half of the 8th century in the architecture style of Rekha Nagara Prasada. The temple contains a sculpture of Lord Shiva killing the demon Andhakasura. It has a navaranga, shukanasa and the sanctum with a linga. Around the sanctum is a circuit pathway. In several niches are small figures of Kubera, Gajalakshmi and others.