Mallikarjuna Temple was built by Trailokyamahadevi in 740 AD after her husband Vikramaditya II achieved victory over the Pallavas of Kanchipuram. As per inscriptions, the temple is called Sri Trailokeswara Maha Shaila Prasada and appears very similar to nearby Virupaksha Temple. The temple is built in southern Vimana architectural style and is similar to Virupaksha Temple in terms of elevation, decoration and arrangements of sculptural art.Episodes from various Hindu epics are carved on the pillars of the temple. The temple is divided into various regions with different significance and religious purposes. The entire temple complex is decorated with sculptures, some of which are in unfinished form. The pillars of the temple are adorned with depictions of the birth and life of Lord Krishna while the panels of ceilings have Gajalakshmi and Nataraja with Parvati. Apart from this, sculptures of Mahishasuramardhini and Ugranarasimha are also represented on the walls of the shrine.
