Pattadakal Sri Kashi Vishwanatha Temple, Karnataka

Address

Pattadakal Sri Kashi Vishwanatha Temple, Pattadakal Group of Monuments Bagalkot district, Karnataka 587201, India

Diety

Vishwanathar

Introduction

Kashi Vishwanatha Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Pattadakal in Bagalkot District of Karnataka, India. This temple is part of Pattadakal Group of Monuments, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Special Features

The Kashi Vishwanatha Temple at Pattadakal is one of the smaller temples, and its construction date varies, with estimates placing it in the late 7th, early 8th, or mid-8th century CE. This temple shares many architectural elements with others in the complex:

Core Structure: The central feature of the Kashi Vishwanatha Temple is the square garbhagriha (sanctum), which houses a sacred linga, symbolizing Lord Shiva.
Nandi-mantapa: To the east of the sanctum, there is a platform hosting a Nandi-mantapa, which includes a sculpture of a seated Nandi, the divine bull associated with Lord Shiva.
Pranala and Antarala: The temple complex also includes a pranala, a stone structure used for draining water from religious rituals, and an antarala, a connecting foyer. These elements lead to a larger mantapa (hall) with a partially ruined entrance porch.
River Goddesses: Carvings of the river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna are still visible at the entrance to the mantapa, which is a common feature in Hindu temple architecture.
Raised Platform: The temple is situated on an elevated platform adorned with five layers of intricately carved mouldings. These mouldings depict various motifs, including horses, elephants, lions, peacocks, and floral patterns, all characteristic of 8th-century artistry.
Architectural Details: The walls of the temple are adorned with pilaster pairs that support chaitya-style arches. The entrance door is flanked by Shaiva dvarapalas (guardians).
Sculptural Imagery: Carvings within the temple include depictions of Ardhanariswara (half-Shiva, half-Parvati) and Lakulisha on the northern wall of the mantapa. Some of these sculptures have suffered damage and defacement over time.
Superstructure: The temple’s superstructure follows the well-developed North Indian Rekha-Nagara style. It consists of a rising five-stage projection with centered squares and intricate interlocking gavakshas. Unfortunately, the amalaka (crowning ornament) and kalasha are currently missing.
Sukanasa: Positioned in front of the temple, the sukanasa is a spire-like structure. It houses a sculpture of Uma-Maheshwara (Parvati and Shiva) within a chaitya-arch, adding a distinct visual element to the temple.
Intricate Carvings: Pillars and pilasters within the temple are intricately carved with friezes depicting narratives from the Bhagavata Purana (related to Vaishnavism), Shiva Purana (related to Shaivism), and the Ramayana. These carvings tell stories like Ravana lifting Mount Kailasha and the playful pranks of Lord Krishna. One relief illustrates Shiva emerging from a cylindrical linga. The mandapa ceiling features carvings of Shiva, Nandi, Parvati, and Kartikeya, encircled by depictions of the ashta-dikpalas (guardians of the directions).

The Kashi Vishwanatha Temple, with its richly detailed sculptures and architectural style, reflects the artistic and religious significance of Pattadakal during the Chalukya period. It stands as a testament to the historical and cultural heritage of the region, attracting visitors and devotees from around the world.