The Mallikarjuna Temple was built under the supervision of queen Trailokyamahadevi, around 740 AD to mark the victory of her husband king Vikramaditya II over the Pallavas. This temple resembles the temple of Virupaksha that lies at its side, as it was built around the same time by the same architects, but it is small in size.
This temple was built based on the Dravidian architecture style and is well known for beautifully carved figures that are present on the walls. This temple was built on a high pedestal and compromises of five moldings. Pictures of Nataraja adorn the shallow arches of temple’s sukanasa.
This temple is now in ruins but still the marvelously constructed Nandi Mandapa offers a beautiful view. Various carved images of elephants and birds are present in the basement of the temple. The sixteen sided pillars can also be viewed from the projecting balconies of the temple.
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