The Mallikarjuna Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva located in Pattadakal, Karnataka, India. It was built in the 8th century by the Chalukya king Vikramaditya II. The temple is one of the nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Pattadakal.
The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture and is similar to the nearby Virupaksha Temple. The temple has a three-tiered vimana (tower) and a pillared mandapa (hall). The walls of the temple are decorated with sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The Mallikarjuna Temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Here are some tips for visiting the Mallikarjuna Temple:
- The best time to visit the temple is in the morning or evening, when the weather is cooler.
- Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the temple.
- Photography is not permitted inside the temple.
- There is a small entrance fee for visiting the temple.
Here are some of the things you can see and do at the Mallikarjuna Temple:
- Admire the intricate carvings on the walls of the temple.
- Take a walk around the temple complex.
- Visit the sanctum sanctorum to see the lingam (image) of Shiva.
- Offer prayers to Shiva.
- Take a dip in the holy tank located in the temple complex.
The Mallikarjuna Temple is a beautiful and sacred place that is worth visiting if you are interested in Hindu temples and culture.