List of all videos available on this site

Chapters: 

00:02 • Introduction

00:41 • Kashivishveshvar temple

03:25 • Nandi in front of the Virupaksha temple

04:05 • Virupaksha Temple

Pattadakal, Karnataka - A Poem in Stone Nestled in the Heart of India 

In the vast plains of Karnataka, where fields of sugar cane gently dance to the rhythm of the breeze, stands a silent symphony of stones that speaks of a distant time. Pattadakal, a small town in India, is a life-size history book, a poetic ode to the art and architecture of ancient India, breathing through its age-old temple complex. 

Praise of the earth and men 

Situated on the western bank of the Malaprabha River, Pattadakal rises with a silent majesty that tells the tales of kings and queens, gods and goddesses, and the immeasurable skill of artisans of yore. Its name, "Pattadakallu", literally means "place of coronation", and the echo of these royal ceremonies still resounds through the alleys of this historic site. 

The canvas of an architectural mosaic 

The splendor of Pattadakal is reflected in its temple complex, an eloquent statement of architectural evolution in India. It is a multi-faceted mosaic, where the architectural styles of northern (Nagara) and southern (Dravidian) India blend together in an aesthetic harmony that transcends time and space. This marriage of styles is like a poem in stone, where every curve and every line tells a story. 

A ballet of temples 

Within this complex, ten majestic temples, as well as several smaller sanctuaries and a procession of ancient inscriptions, form a first-rate architectural ballet. The Virupaksha Temple is the centerpiece, a grand stone celebration, built by Queen Lokamahadevi to mark her husband's victory over the southern kings. Each relief carved on its walls is a couplet from the great poem of India, depicting episodes from the epic Ramayana and Mahabharata. 

A universal heritage 

Recognized for its rich historical and architectural tapestry, Pattadakal was crowned a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It is a place where every stone tells a story, where every step takes us back in time, to the encounters echoes of an ancient culture and civilization. 

A visit in time 

Located about 22 kilometers from the town of Badami, Pattadakal is a portal to a bygone era. Visiting this place is a poetic journey through history, a stroll through thousand-year-old streets, to the sound of silent music that resonates through the temples. 

Conclusion 

Pattadakal is more than a historical site, it is a poem in stone carved into the very heart of India. It's a visual melody that takes you on a journey through time, an exploration of bygone eras, and a true declaration of love for the art, history and culture of this beautiful country. 

Visiting Pattadakal is like leafing through the pages of an ancient history book, listening to the whispers of centuries past, watching harmony take shape in stone. Every carved wall, every arch, every pillar is a verse of this poem, whispering tales of mythical heroes, gods and goddesses, and the talented artists who immortalized them for eternity. 

The Pattadakal temple complex is a tangible link to our past, a bridge between eras, a symbol of India's cultural grandeur. Its temples reflect humanity, its beliefs, its hopes and its quest for artistic expression. 

And as you stroll through these thousand-year-old streets, with the murmur of the Malaprabha River in the background, you can feel the echo of a bygone era, when kings and queens walked these same alleys, and skillful sculptors carved masterpieces with love and devotion. 

So, if you have the opportunity to visit Karnataka, take a moment to stop at Pattadakal. Be swept away by the beauty of this stone poem, let its story envelop you, and let your mind travel through time in this magnificent tribute to Indian art and history.

Music:

 - YouTube video library - Calcutta Sunset - E's Jimmy Jams

 - YouTube video library - For Originz, (© For Originz by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100700

Artist: http://incompetech.com/)

 - YouTube video library - Heavy Interlude, (© Heavy Interlude by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100515

Artist: http://incompetech.com/)

Disclaimer: Despite its appropriateness, copyright issues prevent the use of indian traditional music in "Pattadakal • Symphony of Stones: Time Travel in Ancient India", hence the use of royalty-free music. Despite our careful selection, some might regret this decision, which is necessary to avoid potential lawsuits. Although difficult, this decision is the only viable solution.

about the place, Pattadakal:

Welcome to Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the heart of Karnataka, India. Pattadakal is renowned for its exquisite temple complex, showcasing the architectural brilliance of the Chalukya dynasty. This remarkable site offers a glimpse into the rich history and artistic heritage of ancient India.

The temple complex of Pattadakal features a harmonious blend of Dravidian and Nagara architectural styles, adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. These temples, dedicated to various Hindu deities, stand as magnificent testaments to the skill and craftsmanship of the Chalukyan artisans.

As you explore Pattadakal, you will be captivated by the intricate details and spiritual ambiance that permeate the surroundings. Each temple carries its own unique significance and story, transporting visitors to a bygone era.

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of Pattadakal, where history, art, and spirituality intertwine to create a truly unforgettable experience. Discover the magic of this ancient temple complex and witness the architectural wonders that have stood the test of time.

Spoken comments in the film: 

The struggles between the dynasties of India have raged for centuries. To celebrate their victory over the Pallavas of Kanchi towards the end of the 7th century, the Chalukyas erected a series of magnificent temples, intended to inscribe in stone the supremacy of the Chalukyas. 

Although never having been the capital of the empire (this role was reserved for Badami), Pattadakal was a place of great importance for the dynasty, which is why the site of Pattadakal was chosen to erect these monuments. which persist to this day.

The Kashivishveshvara temple was erected around the 8th century and is dedicated to Shiva. The temple is actually composed of 3 sanctuaries, and is characterized by a harmonious fusion of architectural styles from North and South India. 

Of relatively modest size, this temple is also distinguished by the quality of the sculptures.

In front of the entrance to the Virupaksha temple stands a kind of kiosk, also called Nandi Mandapa, housing a magnificent statue of Nandi, Shiva's bull. The Nandi is an important figure in Hindu cosmogony and is often depicted in or in front of temples dedicated to Shiva. That of Pattadakal is particularly interesting because of the finesse and care given by the sculptor to this sacred work.

The Virupaksha Temple is another outstanding example of ancient Indian architecture. This temple was built in the 8th century during the Chalukya period, a dynasty famous for the refinement of its culture and more particularly of its architecture. One of the characteristics of Chalukya architecture was the harmonious integration of North and South Indian styles. 

The beauty of the sculptures around and in the temple gives an idea of what must have been the refinement at the court of the Chalukyas more than 12 centuries ago.