Karnataka > Bellary > Pattabhirama Temple
This temple was constructed between 1530 and 1542. It is located on the south of the sacred river Tungabhadra. The surroundings of this temple are hilly and it is the largest among the ruins. This wonderful temple is noted for its largeness. There is a capacious hall in front of the temple. This temple a bit off from the main tourist trail is notable for its size and completeness. Though not as much ornate, the Pattabhirama Temple is as large as the more poplar Vittala Temple.
Apart from the principle shrine located at the center of the campus, a shrine dedicated to the goddess is located within the temple compound.
The hall in front of the main sanctum is a superb example of the Vijayanagara style composite pillar architecture. The inner ones are relatively simpler whereas the ones facing the courtyard are elaborate.
The divine marriage hall is at the southeast of the compound. Here to the pillars are carved with some fantastic Yali images. The whole temple campus was once paved with granite slabs, you can still spot the traces of it especially at the northeastern portion of the campus..
A tall tower at the east end of the compound wall opens to a wide chariot street. Further east of by the street is an elaborate temple tank. The street area is not much accessible and is now used by the local farmers. To see the pond you need to go a bit eastward by the main road.
The main tower mentioned above is mentioned is built with brick superstructure and granite lower portions. The terracotta images typically part of such towers is non-existent. However the details on the lower granite portion are intact. You can even spot the Crescent -Boar-Dragger emblem of the Vijayanagara kings near the archway of the tower.
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