Situated in
Pattadakkal, Virupaksha is a one of the biggest temples dedicated to
Lord Virupaksha or Shiva. The walls contain several inscriptions. There is a massive gateway and a large quadrangle surrounded by small cells. It is said in one of the inscriptions that Lokamahadevi, wife of Vikramaditya II, built the temple in memory of his conquest of Kanchi. The temple boasts a beautiful carving designed to look like an elephant from one side and buffalo from the other.
Virupaksha Temple Car Festival is celebrated here annually during March. The Virupaksha Temple car is decorated and pulled in a procession by thousands of devotees at the time of the festival.
The nearest airport is at Bangalore and the railway station is at Badami. The state highway 14 links Pattadakal with Badami. Auto-rickshaws, taxis and private buses are the modes of transportation in and around Pattadakal.
