Temple Description

The Sangameshwara Temple, also known as the Vijayeshvara Temple, is a prominent Dravida-style temple situated on the south side of the Chandrashekhara Temple. Dating from between 720 CE and 733 CE based on inscriptions and other evidence, the temple remains unfinished due to the death of its patron king, Vijayaditya, in 734 CE. Although work continued sporadically in later years, the temple was never completed. During the Badami Chalukya period (543-757 CE), other significant Sangameshwara temples were constructed, such as the one in KuDavelli, which was later moved to Alampur following extensive restoration.

The Sangameshwara Temple, despite not being the largest at Pattadakal, is still notable for its grand proportions. It features a square layout with an east-facing sanctum surrounded by a covered pradakshina path, illuminated by three carved windows. Inside the sanctum is a Shiva Linga. The vestibule in front of the sanctum is flanked by smaller shrines that originally housed carvings of Ganesha and Durga, though these have since been lost. To the east of the hall is a seated Nandi, and past the vestibule is a mandapa with sixteen massive pillars grouped in fours, which might have been added later.

The temple’s vimana (superstructure) and outer walls are well-preserved. The vimana is a two-tiered structure topped with a square kuta-sikhara and kalasha. The temple walls feature numerous devakostha (niches) with images of Vishnu and Shiva, some of which are unfinished. Built on a raised, decorated base, the temple boasts friezes of mythical creatures like elephants, yali, and makara. Above the kapota (eaves) are detailed friezes depicting ganas (playful dwarfs) appearing to support the temple’s weight, while the parapet displays various styles of hara, including karnakutas (square) and salas (oblong), adorned with kudus.

The temple’s carvings depict themes from Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism. Shaiva iconography includes a dancing Nataraja, Ardhanarishvara, Shiva with Bhringi, Shiva vanquishing the demon Andhaka, and the yogi Lakulisha. Vaishnava themes feature Vishnu avatars such as Varaha lifting the goddess Earth (Bhudevi).

Archaeological excavations in 1969 and 1971 uncovered a significant discovery: a brick temple structure beneath the Sangameshwara Temple’s hall, suggesting that the current temple was built over an earlier structure possibly dating back to the 3rd century CE.