Pattadakal Sri Sangameshwara Temple, Karnataka

Address

Pattadakal Sri Sangameshwara Temple pattadakal Pattadakal Group of Monuments Bagalkot district, Karnataka 587201, India

Diety

Sangameshwara

Introduction

Sangameshwara 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.

Puranic Significance

The Sangameshwara temple, also known as the Vijayeshvara temple, is a substantial east-facing temple built in the Dravida architectural style. It is situated on the southern side of the Chandrashekhara temple. Inscriptions found at the temple, along with other evidence, suggest that it was constructed between 720 CE and 733 CE.

The temple’s construction was undertaken during the reign of King Vijayaditya, but his death in 734 CE resulted in the temple being left unfinished. Despite this, sporadic work on the temple continued in the centuries that followed. During the rule of the Badami Chalukyas, from 543 CE to 757 CE, several significant Sangameshwara temples were constructed, including one at KuDavelli. In modern times, this particular temple was relocated to Alampur after extensive restoration work.

Special Features

The Sangameshwara temple exhibits a square layout with an east-facing sanctum. The sanctum is enclosed by a covered pradakshinapatha, which is illuminated by three intricately carved windows. Inside the sanctum, you will find a Shiva Linga, a sacred symbol of Lord Shiva. Situated in front of the sanctum is a vestibule flanked by smaller shrines on both sides. Historically, these smaller shrines contained carvings of Ganesha and Durga, although these carvings have been lost over time.

Further east, beyond the vestibule, there is a seated Nandi, a revered representation of the divine bull and the dedicated vehicle of Lord Shiva. Moving past the vestibule, you’ll enter a mandapa or hall, featuring sixteen massive pillars arranged in groups of four. These pillars may have been added to the temple after its initial construction. The vimana superstructure, rising above the temple, and the outer walls of the temple are impressively well-preserved. The vimana consists of two tiers and is crowned with a square kuta-sikhara (tower) adorned with a kalasha (decorative finial). The discovery of an older temple structure beneath the Sangameshwara temple suggests its historical significance, possibly dating back to the 3rd century CE.