Sangameshwara Temple is located in Pattadakal, in the Bagalkot district of the Indian state, Karnataka. Situated on the banks of Malaprabha River, Pattadakal has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Sangameshwara Temple was built by the Chalukya King Vijayaditya Satyashraya around 720 A.D. It was formerly known as Vijayeswara temple. For some unknown reasons, the temple remained incomplete even after several building phases.

Architecture of Sangameswara Temple
Adorned by Dravidian style of architecture, the temple has a Sanctum, a Hall and an inner passage. Sculptures of Nataraja and Ugranarasimha embellish the outer walls of this temple. The temple consists of three storeys where the lowermost one is surrounded by two walls. The inner wall of the lowermost storey is projected to form the second storey. A covered circumambulatory around the sanctum, also known as `garbhagriha`, is enclosed by the outer wall. The sanctum of the Sangameswara Temple houses a `linga` and small vestibules known as `antarala`. The vestibules open into a spacious hall with huge pillars. This hall is an addition by the architects of Rashtrakuta period. The empty shrines in the temple are believed to be for Goddess Durga and Lord Ganesha. A circumambulatory path surrounds three sides of the sanctum and is lit by three windows, each in the north, west and south directions. On the east, north and south of the hall there are entrance porches called `mukha-mandapa`. A small plinth on the east of the hall houses a Nandi image.

Sculpture of Sangameswara Temple
Constructed on a high plinth, the Sangameswara temple has five mouldings. On various stages on carving there are niches or `devekoshthas` with sculptures of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. There are three intervening alcoves having perforated windows. An exquisite frieze of Indian mythical creatures and figures is carved out in the passageway. They are believed to be the protectors of the temple. The parapet of the temple is further revelation of splendid architecture and is adorned with beautiful patterns known as `karnakutas` and `salas` corresponding to the relieved bays below. Over the sanctum there is a superstructure which is an excellent example of two tired `dravida-vimana`.

The architecture of Sangameswara temple is a manifestation of excellent craftsmanship. It is one of the oldest temples of Karnataka and a renowned place of worship for the Hindu devotees.