Karnataka is a state that is known for its historic culture preserved in the modern era. Many sites and famous temples in Karnataka are gifted with natural beauty, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, drawing both local and international visitors from all over the world. The state’s temples are undoubtedly one of its most popular attractions, as they are not only hallowed places of worship but also rich in the country’s history, legacy, and traditions. Furthermore, the majority of these temples are historic architectural marvels.
There are thousands of astounding temples around the state, but in this article, we have listed the 7 most beautiful, culturally rich, and famous temples in Karnataka.
1- Virupaksha Temple, Hampi
The Virupaksha Temple is one of the most famous temples in Karnataka. It is a Hindu religious structure devoted to Virupaksha, an avatar of Lord Shiva, and is located in the center of Hampi. The temple has a history dating back to the 7th century. The temple was constructed by Lakkan Dandesha who was a Vijayanagara leader under Deva Raya II who was the Vijayanagara Empire’s monarch.
Three antechambers, courtyards, and a pillared hall make up the enormous temple complex. The temple is surrounded by entrance gateways, the greatest of which is the 9-tiered eastern portal. The 50-meter-high gate is well-built and includes several already erected components. It leads to the outer court, which has several minor shrines and is composed of bricks with a stone base. The gopurams, which are embellished with elaborate stone sculptures, lead to the inner passageways. The eastern gopuram has three stories, whereas the northern gopuram has five. The Virupaksha Temple is surrounded by a series of mandapams, the remnants of which may still be seen today.
2- Kollur Mookambika Temple, Kollur
The Mookambika temple is one of India’s most famous temples in Karnataka, located in Kollur, around 130 kilometers from Managaluru or Mangalore. The temple is located among the beautiful hills of Kodachadri on the western ghats. The temple is thought to have been built at least 1200 years ago.
The goddess Parvati is said to have destroyed a demon named Kamasura who was bothering the people of the area, according to folklore. The goddess first rendered him mooka, or deaf, but when he refused to budge, the demon was killed. People began to worship the goddess at the location, and a temple was subsequently built. The greatest time to visit the temple is during the Navratri festival, but it is extremely crowded during this time.
3- Sri Krishna Temple, Udupi
The Udupi Srikrishna temple is known for its one-of-a-kind Krishna idol, which faces the entrance. As a result, the deity can only be seen from the back door and via a window, not from the front. Kanakadasa, a devout Krishna follower, is alleged to have been denied access to the temple due to his caste. As a result, he would pray intensely to the Lord from the back of the temple. Sri Krishna was moved by his devotion and turned to Kanakadasa, and the idol has remained in this form to this day, visible only through a window known as Kanakana kindi or Kanaka’s window. The temple is easily accessible because it is well-connected by road, train, and air and is among the very famous temples in Karnataka.
4- Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna
Gokarna is a major tourist destination with lovely beaches and other attractive locations, and it is located in the North Kannada district and is home to a few famous temples in Karnataka. There is a Ganapathy temple in addition to the Mahabaleshwar temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple is known as Dakshina Kashi or Kashi of the South.
According to mythology, Ravana obtained Atmalinga from Lord Shiva after performing rigorous penance, who advised him not to keep it anywhere because it would become fixed there. Lord Ganapathy duped him into doing so, and the temple was built on the site where the Shivalinga was stored. The temple is said to have tremendous power.
5- Kukke Subramanya temple, Sullia Taluk
The Kukke Subramanya temple, which is listed among the famous temples in Karnataka, is located in the Sullia Taluk of the South Kannada District, is surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings, including rivers, hills, and woods. The temple is one of India’s most respected temples, dedicated to Lord Subramanya, also known as the Lord of Serpents or Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva.
According to legend, Vasuki, the serpent god, and other snakes sought the assistance of Lord Kartikeya to protect them from Garuda, and the lord took them under his protection, which is why he was given the name Subramanya. There are bus connections to the temple from various regions of the state, and it is also accessible by air and rail.
6- Mallikarjuna Temple, Pattadakal
The majestic Mallikarjuna Temple, nestled in the Pattadal area, is a feast for the eyes. This is one of the famous temples in Karnataka and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and its architectural style somewhat matches the Virupaksha Temple. Trilokyamahadevi, Vikramaditya’s second wife, built the temple in 745 AD. The Archaeological Survey of India currently manages this cultural monument, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Nagara and Dravidian architectural styles are seamlessly blended in Mallikarjuna Temple. There are nine major temples devoted to Lord Shiva within the site. An antechamber, a sabha mandapa, and a sanctum are also included in the structure. The ageless interiors are embellished with stunning sculptures depicting themes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The architectural splendor of Mallikarjuna Temple portrays the charm of a bygone period.
7- Chennakeshava Temple, Belur
Chennakeshava Temple is located in Belur’s Hassan District and features great Hoysala architecture. It was begun in 1117 by the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana and took more than 100 years to complete. Throughout history, this ancient structure has been continuously damaged by conflicts and reconstructed. The Chennakeshava religious center is an active Hindu temple which is dedicated to Chennakesava, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, since it was built.
This temple complex, which includes the Kappe Chennigaraya Temple, Ranganayaki Temple, and a lesser Sowmya Nayaki temple, is an architectural masterpiece. Fine artwork of dancing women in various poses adorns the 37-meter-high shrine. There are 48 pillars in all, all of which are exquisitely ornamented with elaborate motifs. 4 of the central pillars have been chiseled and carved with diverse depictions of celestial damsels by artisans. Chennakeshava Temple gives you a better understanding of Hoysala culture and traditions and is counted in the famous temples in Karnataka.
Final Words
While the list is endless, the aforementioned are some of the most important and famous temples in Karnataka that visitors should not miss on their next vacation. So, the next time you plan a temple vacation, make sure to include all of these Karnataka temples on your itinerary for a more complete experience. If this has piqued your interest, look no further and begin planning your vacation to Karnataka right away.