History, Importance, Timings, Architecture, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Sangameshwar Temple, Pattadakal, Karnataka, India
Sangamehswar Temple, one of the oldest and quite popular shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva is part for group of ancient monuments located in Pattadakal, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pattadakal is also known as different name like Paṭṭadakallu or Raktapura or Pattada Kisuvolal is located on bank of river Malaprabha, in Bagalkot district of Karnataka and at just at 10 km from Aihole and 23 km from Badami. Virupaksha temple is architecture marvel here at Pattadakal. The group of monuments represent the harmonious combination of architectural style of northern and southern India. Pattadakal is the site of ancient temple of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist dated back to 7th - 9th century where several majestic temples were built mainly during the Chalukya rule. From the time of Chalukya Dynasty, it holds spiritual, cultural and rich heritage values since more than 1400 years. Pattadakal is famed for its Dravidian Style temple, Nagara Style Temple and few are combined architecture and always of interest point for archaeologists, history and architecture lover. Here thousands of tourist visit throughout the year and especially during the several festival. Currently it is protest site and managed by Archaeological Survey of India.
Sangameshwara temple was commissioned by the great Chalukya king Vijayaditya and as per the inscription found in temple it was constructed during 720 to 733 AD. Previously Sangameshwara temple was famed as the Vijayeshvara temple named after the king. The temple is located on the south side of the Chandrashekhara temple and east facing temple built up in Dravidian style architecture. The temple design is bit similar as the Virupaksha Temple and probably inspired by the Kailasanathar Temple of Kanchi but not as giant like Virupaksha temple. After the death of king, the temple construction was not completed but over the period during different rule it was expanded.
The square layout temple campus where east facing sanctum surrounded by Pradakshina and several small shrine makes Sangameshwar temple as one of the must visit shrine here at Pattadakal. It is believed, this is one of the oldest two tier Vimana crowned with square Kuta Shikhara and Kalasha and this style even used today in temple architecture. Shivlinga is places in center sanctum and at entrance, you can see the Nandi Mandata. On each of the temple walls, you can find the beautifully carved sculptures of different incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Shiva. Temple has two entrance, one in north and other in south. Also there is large rangamandapa with 20 pillars along with two small shrines dedicated to Mahishasura Mardhini & Ganesha. There is a ruined Nandi mandapa in front of the temple. The sanctum has a circular path for pradakshinas. One of the important feature of Sangameshwar temple is it presents the Shaivism, Vaishanivsm and Shaktism where you can find sculpture of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga.
There are lot is interesting and important monuments in Pattadakal along with Sangameshwar Temple, these are Virupaksha Temple, Mallikararjuna Temple, Chandra Shekhara Temple, Jain Narayana Temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Jambulingeshwara Temple, Galaganath Temple, Papanath Temple etc. Also you can plan to visit Badami and Aihole during your visit to Pattadakal.
How to Reach Sangameshwar Temple, Pattadakal, UNESCO World Heritage Site near Badami and Aihole, Karnataka, India
As Pattadakal is one of the important historical and religious side near Badami and Pattadakal in Bagalkot district in state of Karnataka and home to several majestic ancient temple. Thus, it is easily accessible via road, rail and air network. Badami has major railway station which is around 22 km Pattadakal from where you can get train to all major station of India. You can get government and private vehicle from nearby cities to reach here by road. The nearest airport from Pattadakal are Hubli Airport at 144 km and Belgaum Airport at 180 km away. There are regular flights to Belgaum from all major cities in the country. Pattadakal is located at just 22 km from Badami, 13 km from Aihole, 46 km from Bagalkot and 135 km from Hampi.
