Photograph of the Virupaksha and the Mallikarjuna temples, built in the southern style. Lying side by side, they were modelled after the temple at Kanchi. The two temples were themselves the inspiration for the Kailasanatha temple, built by the Rashtrakutas at Ellora in the late eighth century.

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