History, Importance, Timings, Architecture, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Kashi Vishwanathan Temple, Pattadakal, Karnataka, India
Kashi Vishwanath Temple also famed as Kashi Vishweshwara temple one of the famous shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva is located beside of Mallikarjun Temple in Pattadakal, the UNESCO World Heritage Site for its ancient group of monuments. 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.
Kashi Vishwanath temple was built in Nagara Style architecture during 7 to 8 century by the ruler of Rastrakuta dynasty. It is believed that this is probably the last temple built here at Pattadakal, and which follows the general chalukya style architecture same like other temple here. Kashi Vishwanatha temple of Lord Shiva has the square garbha griha – sanctum where shivlinga is installed. Nandi-mantapa featuring the image of a seated Nandi is in east of the grabh griha. The temple also features a pranala, a stone structure used to drain out water used during religious activities. The superstructure is in North Indian Rekha-Nagara style which is rising five stage projection over the center sanctum but the amalaka and kalasha are now missing. Every pillars of the temple are carved nicely with several sculpture of Siva-Parvathi marriage, Krishna Leela, Ravana lifting Kailasa etc. You can also find the carving of Garuda holding snakes and several celestial deities on doorway of the sanctum.
There are lot is interesting and important monuments in Pattadakal along with Kashi Vishwanath Temple, these are Virupaksha Temple, Mallikararjuna Temple, Chandra Shekhara Temple, Jain Narayana Temple, Jambulingeshwara Temple, Galaganath Temple, Papanath Temple, Sangameshwar Temple etc. Also you can plan to visit Badami and Aihole during your visit to Pattadakal.
How to Reach Kashi Vishwanath 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.
