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Pattadakal, in Karnataka, showcases some of the rare specimen of temple art forms of 7th and 8th century. The temples were constructed during the Chalukya Dynasty, depicting a marvelous blend of north and south Indian architectural. A majestic array of nine Hindu temples, as well as a Jain sanctum is the highlights of the town. A masterpiece from the group stands out - the Temple of Virupaksha, built in 740 by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband's victory is just mesmerizing.

The sculptural art of the Chalukya dynasty is illustrated by elegance and refinement. These historic temple-art portrays various chapters from the divine Hindu epics - Ramayana and Mahabharata, from the holy book - Bhagavata and tales of Panchatantra.

The earliest of the South Indian style temples, Sangameshwara Temple was built by the Chalukya king Vijayaditya (696-733 AD). As in other South Indian temples, the multistoried temple tower rises in a stepped Pyramidal formation and is capped with a square domed roof.

The twin Virupaksha and Mallikarjuna temples represent the pinnacle of Chalukya temple architecture. Based on the Kailasanatha Temple in Kanchipurum, the two temples commemorate the victory of King Vikramaditya II over the Pallava rulers of Tamil Nadu. Now the Virupaksha Temple is the only functioning shrine in the sprawling temple complex. Both these identical temples feature exquisitely carved pillars and ceilings decorated with a profusion of friezes from the epics.