One of the greatest draws for visitors to Southern India is undoubtedly the temples of Karnataka, which are not only hallowed sites of devotion but also immersed in the nation’s historic legacy, and cultural mores.
Furthermore, the majority of these temples are historic archaeological marvels.
Karnataka is a state that has kept its cultural legacy alive through its beautiful temples and shrines. Numerous temple sites in the region are endowed with amazing architecture and sculpture, and as a result, the state is among the most recognized in the nation, drawing both domestic and international visitors from all over the globe.
There are dozens of temples around the state, and choosing just a handful is tough, but here are the fourteen most renowned temples in Karnataka that are famous not just in India, but all across the globe.
Kollur Mookambika Temple
The Mookambika temple is among India’s popular temples, situated at Kollur, with a distance of approximately 130 km from Managaluru or Mangalore. The temple is located on the western ghats, among the hills of Kodachadri. The temple is said to have been erected at least 1200 years previously.
According to tradition, Devi Parvati defeated a devil called Kamasura who was bothering the inhabitants of the area. The goddess initially rendered him senseless or mooka, but when he refused to relent, the devil was destroyed. Individuals began to serve the deity here, and ultimately a shrine was erected. The greatest time to head to the temple is during the Navratri festival, however, it is quite overcrowded during that time. Worshippers are also served unlimited food by the Temple Foundation.
The Somanatheshwara Temple
The Somanatheshwara Temple in Shivamogga, one of the most famous temples in Karnataka is a beautiful and majestic shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built by the Hoysala kings in the 12th century and has been an important pilgrimage site for centuries. It is situated on the banks of river Tunga and its architecture reflects the grandeur of that era. Inside, you will find intricate sculptures depicting stories from Hindu scriptures as well as a large Nandi bull statue made out of black granite.
A unique feature of this temple is that it also houses shrines devoted to other gods such as Vishnu, Brahma, Ganapati, Saraswathi and Subramanya. During special occasions like Mahashivaratri or Ugadi celebrations thousands of devotees flock here to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva. This sacred temple, one of the most famous Shiva temples in Karnataka offers peace and serenity along with spiritual enlightenment for those who visit it.
Saavira Kambada Basadi (Thousand Pillars temple) Moodabidri
Discover the beauty and uniqueness of the Thousand Pillars temple, the most prominent of the 18 Jain temples in Moodubidiri town, Karnataka.
Built in the 15th century by local ruler Devaraya Wadiyar, the temple is home to fascinating rock carvings on each of its thousand pillars, with no two being identical. Housing the main deity Jain tirthankara Chandraprabha, the temple’s Garbhagriha boasts an impressive 8-foot-tall idol made of 5 different elements. Come and explore this marvel of intricate architecture, and experience why Moodabidri is known as the “Jain Varanasi” of South India.
Inside, you will find intricately carved sculptures depicting stories from Jain scriptures as well as large statues of various tirthankaras (enlightened teachers). During special occasions like Mahamastakabhisheka celebrations, thousands of devotees flock here to offer their prayers to Lord Parshwanath and other Tirthankaras. This sacred temple offers peace and serenity along with spiritual enlightenment for those who visit it and is one of the most popular temples to visit in Karnataka.
Kukke Subramanya Temple
The Kukke Subramanya temple is situated in Sullia Taluk, South Kannada District, and is filled with beautiful natural settings like rivers, hills, and woods. The temple is among India’s most respected temples, devoted to Lord Subramanya, also known as the Lord of Serpents or Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva.
According to legend, Vasuki, the serpent deity, and other snakes enlisted the help of God Kartikeya to defend them from Garuda, and the deity placed them under his protection, which is why he has been given the name Subramanya. People on their way to the Temple must pass the Kumaradhara River and take a sacred bath in it before proceeding to the temple for darshan.
Worshippers approach the courtyard from behind and circle to approach the statue. Between the sanctuary and the veranda entry is a Garuda pillar coated in silver. It is said that the pillars were enchanted and set there to protect worshippers from the toxic flames emanating from Vasuki’s inhalation, who sits within.
Udupi Srikrishna Temple
The Udupi Srikrishna temple is well-known for its unusual Krishna statue, which poses back to the entrance and is one of the must visit temples in Karnataka. As a result, the divinity can only be witnessed from the rear door and via a window, rather than from the front door. Kanakadasa, an enthusiastic follower of Krishna, is claimed to have been refused entry to the temple due to his caste.
As a result, he would remain on the back side of the temple and ardently worship the Almighty. Sri Krishna was moved by his loyalty and changed to Kanakadasa; the idol stays this way to this day and can only be viewed via a window known as Kanakana kindi or Kanaka’s window.
Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple
Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple is among Karnataka’s most prominent temples, located on the banks of the Netravati River. It is also a remarkable temple since, in addition to the temple god, Lord Shiva, a Jain Theerthankara is revered there. People from all areas of life make up the temple administration.
More than 10,000 individuals head to the shrine every day. At the temple compound, worshippers are provided free of charge meals. The temple’s yearly celebration, known as the Lakshadeepa festival, is celebrated in November or December and attracts worshippers from all around the country.
Kotilingeshwara Temple
Kotilingeshwara temple, located in the tiny town of Kammasandra, is often regarded as Karnataka’s most highly regarded temple. Swami Sambha Shiva Murthy established this temple during the year 1980.
Kotilingeshwara temple holds the world’s tallest Shivalinga – a towering 33 meters high – surrounded by numerous other Shivalingas and an impressive 11-meter Basava statue. Explore the temple grounds and discover eleven other temples devoted to various deities, including Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and Lord Maheshwara. Don’t miss the incredible temple of Lord Kotilingeshwara.
It also includes some unusual displays of ancient finds, such as clay pottery. It’s no surprise that almost 3 lakh people travel to this Kotilingeshwara temple during Shivaratri annually. This wonderful temple has a wider reach, and tourists return year after year to celebrate Shivaratri and be graced by Lord Shiva.
Shri Venkateshwara Temple
Pattadakal, in Karnataka, is a prime example of a unique art form that reached its peak during the 7th and 8th centuries. Visitors can marvel at an impressive collection of nine Hindu temples and a Jain sanctuary within the area. Out of the group, one temple reigns supreme: the Temple of Virupaksha. Commissioned by Queen Lokamahadevi in honour of her husband’s victory over southern kings, this masterpiece was built in the year 740 and still stands as an awe-inspiring piece of cultural heritage.
The Shri Venkateshwara Temple is a stunning temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple stands at an impressive height of 56 feet and features intricate carvings on its walls. Its architecture is based on the traditional Dravidian style with three distinct towers – Garbhagudi (sanctum sanctorum), Rajagopuram (the main entrance tower) and Mukhamantapa (the porch).
Inside the sanctum sanctorum lies a beautiful idol of Lord Venkateshwara along with other idols such as Lakshmi Devi, Padmavati Thayar, Bhoodevi Thayar and Bhoga Narasimha Swami. Visitors can also explore the nearby temples dedicated to various Hindu gods like Ganesha, Hanuman and Shiva. With its exquisite architecture and divine atmosphere, this shrine is truly one of India’s most sacred places of worship for devotees all over the world!
Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple
Kateel Durgaparameshwari temple, situated in Kateel town in Dakshina Kannada, is devoted to Maa Durga and is among India’s oldest prominent pilgrimage sites. It is nestled on an islet in the Nandini River, enclosed by spectacular scenery. It is about 29 km from Mangalore.
When exploring the temple, visitors should take a minute to savour the spectacular vista, especially during the rainy season. The temple has ample space and is meticulously maintained by the administrators. As the captivating river runs across the Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple, followers can worship, recite mantras, or simply relax and absorb the beautiful aura of the goddess. Therefore, Kateel Durgaparameshwari temple is the place to explore if you are looking for spiritual solace in the city.
Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu
Hoysaleswara Temple, also known as the Halebidu Temple, is housed in Halebidu. This temple is constantly filled with people from all over the nation since it is the largest landmark in Halebidu. Lord Shiva is the principal god idolized in this majestic temple, which was established in the 12th century.
The layout of this temple is a representation of Hoysala’s grandeur. This religious site features two sanctums and two shrines. One sanctuary is dedicated to Hoysaleswara or the King, and another to Shantaleswara or the Queen. One should see Halebidu on your journey to see the distinctive construction of this shrine.
Sri Virupaksheshwara Temple
The Sri Virupaksheshwara temple is located near the Tungabhadra River, among the Hampi landmarks. It is one of the holiest places in Karnataka and is called for God Shiva. It boasts lovely grandeur and is a visual and spiritual treat. Lakkan Dandesha built the Sree Virupaksha Temple, which draws a large number of pilgrims to Hampi.
The building was finished in the 14th century and has been a popular religious place ever since. Take a trip in December and take part in the rituals commemorating Lord Virupaksha and Devi Pampa’s wedding.
Srikanteshwara Temple
Nestled in the picturesque Sahyadri hills of Karnataka lies the majestic Srikanteshwara Temple. This ancient temple is believed to have been built during the 10th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most important gods in Hinduism. The main deity of this temple is a six-foot-tall black stone statue of Lord Shiva known as ‘Srikantheshwarar’.
The shrine also houses a number of other deities including Parvati, Ganesha, Hanuman and Lakshmi. The temple complex features many intricately carved sculptures depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology which are sure to captivate visitors with their beauty. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as Kudremukh National Park and Kodachadri Hill for an unforgettable experience!
Guddattu Mahaganapathi Temple
Guddattu Mahaganapathi temple is said to be erected 800 years back and is situated beneath a massive granite boulder. Guddattu is a town near NH 66 approximately 90 kilometers from Mangalore. It is thought that Ganapathy’s statue was self-manifested, or ‘swayambhu.’ ‘Ayarkoda,’ or sprinkling a million pots of water on the sculpture, is the principal rite here.
The Lord Ganapathi idol is about 3 feet tall and made of black stone carving with a small space around that one. The cave is usually maintained full of water, which covers Lord Ganapathi up to his neck. The Almighty is visible to the public through a hole next to Lord Ganapathi.
Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple
Gokarna is a well-known pilgrimage site in the North Kannada region, as well as a popular sightseeing attraction with stunning beaches and other picturesque attractions. The Mahabaleshwar temple honours Lord Shiva, although there seems to be a Ganapathy temple nearby. The temple is known as the South Kashi or Dakshina Kashi.
According to tradition, Ravana obtained Atmalinga from Lord Shiva after doing rigorous devotion, who advised him not to store it anywhere since it would be stuck forever. Lord Ganapathy misled him into doing the same, and the temple was built on the site where the Shivalinga was stored. The temple is thought to have tremendous influence.
Karnataka’s famous temples are a testament to the history of this great state, the wealth of its culture, and its architectural marvels. Not only do they awe visitors with their grandeur, architecture, sculptures and artistry, but also evoke devotion in those who visit these sacred places.
From stately Somanatheshwara temple in Shivamogga to Holy Jain Temple in Moodabidri, from the old-world beauty of historical Shri Venkateshwara Temple to Srikanteshwara Temple nestled among Sahyadri hills – all these historic timeless temples offer beautiful stories to explore and experience. If you’re looking for an enlightening experience that will enrich your mind and soul, visiting each site on this list is sure to provide wonderful memories as well as a great experience of self-exploration.
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