Photograph of the Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal showing one side of its pillared hall. The Virupaksha is one of the most impressive temples at the site and was built in the Dravida or southern style of architecture. It was dedicated to Siva.

Pattadakal, like neighbouring Aihole and Badami, was an important centre of the Chalukya dynasty. It is located on the Malaprabha river in north Karnataka. Pattadakal is believed to be the site where the coronation ceremonies of the early Chalukya kings took place, between the sixth and eighth centuries.