Karnataka is a land of beauty and soul. With its lush green lands speckled with sites of worship, Karnataka is the destination for both adventurers and devotees. The following article will take you on a vibrant journey through some famous temples in Karnataka.
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Popular Temples in Karnataka to Explore Spirituality
Karnataka is the homeland of several ancient temples. It is the ultimate destination for temple tours, offering a blend of faith and architecture.
Here Are The 15 iconic Temples In Karnataka
Sri Vidyashankara Temple, Sringeri
Built-in the 14th century, in memory of Guru Vidyashakara, it is a marvel of Vijaynagar Architecture. Sculpted on an intricately carved plinth, this temple has six giant doorways. A spectacular monument combining the Hoysala and the Dravidian style of architecture.
It is a part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is open to the public on all days from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm in the mornings and 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm in the evenings.
- How to reach the Sri Vidyashankara Temple? The nearest Airport to Sri Vidyashankara Temple is Mangalore International Airport. It is 100 km away. The nearest railway station is the Udupi Railway Station, located at 80 km. Visitors can also take a bus from the nearest bus station the Sringeri Bus Stand, located 700 meters away.
- What is the Sri Vidyashankara Temple famous for? The temple has twelve beautifully carved figures called the Rashi or Zodiac Pillars, designed such that the sun’s rays fall on each pillar in chronological order.
- Best Time to Visit Sri Vidyashankara Temple: The best time to visit Sri Vidyashankara Temple is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and moderate.
Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, Udupi
Built by Sri Madhwacharya, the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple is one of the most sacred temples of Karnataka. The idol of Sri Krishna worshipped here has been said to have been saved miraculously by the Archarya from a sinking ship.
The temple also offers prasada at noon and is popularly called Anna Brahma as it feeds a vast number of devotees. The temple is open to the public daily from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm.
- How to reach the Udupi Shri Krishna Temple? The nearest Airport to Udupi Sri Krishna Temple is Mangalore International Airport. It is 59 km away. The nearest railway station is the Udupi Railway Station, located about 4 km away from the temple. Visitors can also take a bus from the nearest Udupi bus stand, located 1.8 km away.
- What is the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple famous for? Devotees worship the Lord through a silver-plated nine-holed window called Navagraha Kitiki. Kanaka, an ardent devotee, prayed intensely after being denied darshan by the Lord. So, Lord Krishna drilled nine holes in the window so that Kanaka could see him.
- Best time to visit the Uduppi Sri Krishna Temple: The best time to visit the Uduppi Sri Krishna Temple is from September to March as the weather is very cool and soothing.
Murudeshwara Temple, Bhatkal
Perched on Kaduka Hill, this temple is known for its gigantic statue of Lord Shiva. It offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea. The statue is also the tallest Shiva statue in India. Legend says once Demon King Ravana received a powerful Atma-Linga. Ganesha tricked him into placing the linga on the ground, making it immovable.
The site came to be known as Murudeshwar. The temple is open regularly from 6:00 am to 12 pm in the mornings and 3:00 pm to 8:15 pm in the evenings.
- How to reach the Murudeshwara Temple? The nearest Airport to Murudeshwara Temple Complex is Mangalore International Airport. It is 159 km away. The nearest railway station is the Murudeshwar Railway station, located 2 km away from the temple. Visitors can also take a bus from the nearest Murudeshwar bus stand, located 500 meters away.
- What is the Murudeshwara Temple famous for? The temple boasts the second tallest statue of Shiva with a height of 123 ft and has an equally exquisite and colossal gopuram (gateway) which has a height of 237 ft.
- Best time to visit the Murudeshwara Temple: The best time to visit the Murudeshwara Temple is from October to February when the weather is pleasant and soothing.
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Shree Vijaya Vitthala Temple, Hampi
It is the most significant structure in Hampi, and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered to be the largest, grandest and most famous structure. This temple lies in the northeastern part of Hampi, on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.
The magnificent stone chariot of this temple features in the 50-rupee note. The temple is open every day from 8:30 AM to 6 PM.
- How to reach Shree Vijaya Vitthala Temple? The nearest Airport to Shree Vijaya Vitthala Temple is Jindal Vijaynagar Airport. It is 24 km away. The nearest railway station is the Hospet Junction Railway Station. It lies 10 km away from Hampi.
- What is Shree Vijaya Vitthala Temple famous for? The temple is iconic for its 56 pillars also called the Saregama pillars found in the Ranga Mantapa.
- Best time to visit Shree Vijaya Vitthala Temple: The best time to visit the Shree Vijaya Vitthala Temple is from November to February when the weather is calm and mild.
Shri Mahabaleshwara Temple, Gokarna
The temple is famous for its 6 feet tall Atma Linga. ‘Gokarna’ means ‘cow’s ear’, it is believed that Shiva emerged out of a cow’s ear in this town. It is said to be as significant as Kashi, thus earning the name Dakshin Kashi.
The temple is open daily from 6 AM to 12:30 PM in the mornings and 5 PM to 8 PM in the evenings.
- How to reach the Shri Mahabaleshwara Temple? The nearest Airport to Shri Mahabaleshwara Temple is Goa International Airport. It is 145 km away. The nearest railway station is the Wathar railway station, located about 60 km away from Mahabaleshwar. Visitors can also take a bus from the nearest Mahabaleshwar ST Bus Depot, located about 10 km away.
- What is the Shri Mahabaleshwara Temple famous for? The temple is believed to house the original image of Atmalinga. The colossal Lingam is enclosed within the Shaligrama Peetha of the temple.
- Best time to visit Mahabaleshwara Temple: The best time to visit the Shri Mahabaleshwara Temple is October to February.
Shri Kotilingeshwara Swamy Temple, Kammasandra
‘Koti’ in Kannada means a crore and ‘Kotilingeshwara’ translates to “the Lord of a Crore Lingas.” It is said that the lingas were first placed at what became the temple site by a former atheist who had become a devotee of Shiva. The temple boasts of housing a colossal linga which is one of the largest Shivalingas in the world. Its impressive height is 108 feet.
This story was later made into a hagiographical film, Sri Manjunatha, released in 2001. The temple is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- How to reach Kotilingeshwara Swamy Temple? The nearest Airport to Shri Kotilingeshwara Swamy Temple is Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. It is 103 km away. The nearest railway station is Oorgaum railway station which is 8 km away. Visitors can also take a bus from the nearest Shri Koti Bus stop, located 170 m away.
- What is Kotilingeshwara Swamy Temple famous for? The temple is famous for being surrounded by over 90 lakhs of Shiv lingas, giving the temple its name “Kotilingeshwara”.
- Best time to visit Kotilingeshwara Swamy Temple: The best time to visit the temple is from October to March.
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Virupaksha Temple, Hampi
It is a seventh-century temple built by Lakkan Dandesha, a commander under King Deva Raya II. It is part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is the oldest temple in Hampi and is the only one still in worship today. It is also popular as the Pampapathi temple.
The temple is open every day from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm in the mornings and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the evenings.
- How to reach Virupaksha Temple? The nearest Airport to Virupaksha Temple is Jindal Vijaynagar Airport. It is 35 km away. The nearest railway station is the Hospet Junction Railway Station. It lies 10 km away from Hampi.
- What is Virupaksha Temple famous for? It is one of India’s oldest temples and most active temples. An excellent example of Vijajayanagar’s architectural prowess, is its main tower, the Raja Gopuram, almost 50 meters tall and is a prominent landmark in Hampi.
- Best time to visit Virupaksha Temple: The best time to visit the Virupaksha Temple is from November to February when the weather is calm and mild.
Mallikarjuna Temple, Pattakadal
Queen Trailokya Mahadevi originally named the temple Trailokeswara Maha Saila Prasada and built it around 740 AD to celebrate her husband, Vikramaditya II’s victory over the Pandavas. Lies beside the Virupaksha Temple, the temple dedicates to Lord Shiva and shares the same architectural style.
The temple is part of the stunning Pattadakal group of monuments and is one of the famous temples in Karnataka. It is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
- How to reach Mallikarjuna Temple? The nearest Airport to Mallikarjuna Temple is Hubli Airport. It is 131 km away. The nearest railway station is Badammi Railway Station, located 17 KM away from Pattakadal. Visitors can also take a bus from the nearest bus stand, the Pattakadal Bus Stand, located 400 m away.
- What is Mallikarjuna Temple famous for? The temple is famous for being the place where Lord Mallikarjuna and Goddess Brahmaramba united in marriage.
- Best time to visit Mallikarjuna Temple: The best time to visit the Mallikarjuna Temple is from October to March when the weather is very pleasant.
Yellamma (Renuka) Temple, Saundatti
Also popular as the Renuka Temple, the temple dedicates to Goddess Renuka, wife of the Great Rishi Jamadagni and mother of Lod Parshurama. It lies on a hilltop and is one of the great religious places in Karnataka.
It is believed that when Renuka Mata was decapitated by her son, Parashurama, her head fell here. The temple is open every day from 06:30 am to 04:30 pm and 06:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
- How to reach Yellamma Temple? The nearest Airport to Yellamma (Renuka) Temple is Belgaum Airport. It is 81 km away. The nearest railway station is the Dharwad Railway Station, located 23 km away. Visitors can also take a bus from the nearest bus stand, the Saundatti Bus Stand, located 10 km away.
- What is Yellamma Temple famous for? It is popular among young women as the goddess is said to grant fertility blessings.
- Best time to visit Yellamma Temple: The Best time to visit the Yellamma (Renuka) is from October to April as the weather is pleasant during this time.
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Shri Mookambika Devi Temple, Kollur
Dedicated to Goddess Mookambika, an incarnation of Parvati, it is one of the oldest temples of India. It is among the famous temples in Karnataka for its deep spiritual signifcance, rich mythology, and unique rituals.
It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya consecrated the idol, establishing the temple as a major centre of worship. The temple is open daily from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm.
- How to reach Shri Mookambika Devi Temple? The nearest Airport to Shri Mookambika Devi Temple is Mangalore International Airport. It is 131 km away. The nearest railway station is Kundapura Railway Station, located 40 km away. Visitors can also take a bus from the nearest Shri Mookambika Temple Bus Stand, located about 500 m.
- What is Shri Mookambika Devi Temple famous for? The temple is famous for garba griha. It is made of Panchaloha (a traditional five-metal alloy) and is considered highly auspicious.
- Best time to visit Shri Mookambika Devi Temple: The best time to visit the Shri Mookambika Devi Temple is from October to March.
Kukke Shri Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, Subramanya
The Kukke Subramanya Temple is a popular pilgrimage site dedicates to Lord Subramanya (Lord Murugan). Lord Murugan is revered as the deity of snakes.
People belive that Lord Subramanya, along with his brother Lord Ganesha, vanquished the demon Tarakasura and his brothers at this site. This one of the famous temples in Karnataka is open on all days from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- How to reach Kukke Shri Subrahmanya Temple? The nearest Airport to Kukke Shri Subrahmanya Swamy Temple is Mangalore Airport. It is 111 km away. The nearest railway station is the Subrahmanya Road (SBHR) Railway Station, located 7 KM away from the temple. Visitors can also take a bus from the nearest Kukke Subramanya Bus Stand, located 400 m away.
- What is Kukke Shri Subrahmanya Temple famous for? The temple is famous for its religious and cultural significance. It is one of the seven holy places created by Lord Parashurama.
- Best time to visit Kukke Shri Subrahmanya Temple: The best time to visit the Kukke Shri Subrahmanya Swamy Temple is from September to March.
Saavira Kambada Basadi, Mangalore
The Saavira Kambada Basadi temple is also popular as the Thousand Pillar Temple. It is a prominent Jain temple located in Moodabidri, known as the “Jain Varanasi” of South India.
This temple is the most prominent of the 18 Jain temples in Moodubidiri. It consider as an architectural wonder and is a major attraction for the town. The temple is open on all days from 9 AM to 8 PM.
- How to reach Saavira Kambada Basadi Temple? The nearest Airport to Saavira Kambada Basadi Temple is Mangalore International Airport. It is 25 km away. The nearest railway station is the Mangalore railway station, located 34 km away from the temple. Visitors can also take a bus from the nearest Moodbidri Bus Stop, located 1 km away.
- What is Saavira Kambada Basadi Temple famous for? True to its name, each of the thousand pillars is dotted with exquisite rock carvings. It is believed that no two pillars are alike.
- Best time to visit Saavira Kambada Basadi Temple: The best time to visit the Saavira Kambada Basadi is from November to March when the weather is calm and pleasant.
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Shri Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore
This one famous temples in Karnataka lies on top of Chamundi Hill. It is located 13 km away from the City of Palaces, Mysore. Named after Chamundeshwari, the temple is also recognized as a Shakti Peeth and was popular as Krouncha Peetha in Puranic times. According to legend, the hair of Goddess Sati fell here.
The darshan timings of the temple are from 07.30 am to 02.00 pm, from 03.30 pm to 06.00 pm and from 07.30 pm to 09.00 pm.
- How to reach Shri Chamundeshwari Temple? The nearest Airport to Shri Chamundeshwari Temple is Mysore Airport. It is 13 km away. The nearest railway station is the Mysore Railway Station, located 13 km away from the temple. Visitors can take a bus from the nearest bus stand Chamundi Hill Bus Stand, located 290 m away.
- What is Shri Chamundeshwari Temple famous for? The temple is famous as people believe that Goddess Durga slayed the demon king Mahishahura on top of this hill.
- Best time to visit the Chamundeshwari Temple: The best time to visit the Chamundeshwari Temple is from September to October due to the soothing weather.
Shri Sharadamba Temple, Sringeri
Adi Shankacharya originally constructed it in the 8th century. Devotees believe that Goddess Sharadamba, an incarnation of Goddess Saraswati, fulfils the wishes of those who worship her with full devotion.
Initially, the temple only contained a sandalwood standing figure of the Goddess Sharadamba, hand-carved and installed by Adi Shakachrya. Later, the Vijayanagara rulers installed a seated gold idol of the deity.
- How to reach Shri Sharadamba Temple? The nearest Airport to Shri Sharadamba Temple is Mangalore International Airport. It is 105 km away. The nearest railway station is the Udupi Railway Station, located at 80 km. Visitors can take a bus from the nearest Sringeri Bus Stand, located 550 m away.
- What is Shri Sharadamba Temple famous for? The Shardamba temple is famous for the sandalwood statue of the goddess Sharada.
- Best time to visit Shri Sharadamba Temple: The best time to visit the Shri Sharadamba Temple is from October to March.
Shri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple, Belur
Built by King Vishnuvardhana in the 12th century to commemorate his victory over the Chola dynasty. This temple is a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture and is popular for its carvings. It is a Vaishnava temple which includes themes from Shaivism and Shaktism, along with Jainism and Buddhism.
The temple is a World Heritage Site and is a part of the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas. The temple is open on all days from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm.
- How to reach the Shri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple? The nearest Airport to Shri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple is Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. It is 241 km away. The nearest station is Hassan Railway Station, located about 37 km away. Visitors can also take a bus from the nearest Belur Bus Station, located 500 m away.
- What is the Shri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple famous for? The temple stands on a star-shaped platform, showcasing a characteristic feature of Hoysala architecture. Builders took around 103 years to complete this temple.
- Best time to visit the Shri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple: The best time to visit the Shri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple is between October and March.
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In conclusion, these famous temples in Karnataka has its unique architecture, and history and provides a profound experience for visitors. Whether seeking spiritual solace or simply marvelling at the architectural wonders, these temples offer a serene and enriching retreat for all.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Karnataka is popular for its rich heritage and religious significance, with ancient temples showcasing intricate craftsmanship and vibrant history. The state also offers scenic hill stations, stunning waterfalls, bustling metropolitans, and a vibrant nightlife.
Karnataka has many popular Shiva Temples. some of the most visited Shiva Temples include Murudeshwara Temple, Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Shri Kottilingeshwar Temple, and more.
Udupi is also popular as the City of Temples by the locals. People believe that the temple has created by Lord Parshurama himself. It is especially famous for its Shri Krishna Temple.
Visitors should dress modestly and respectfully when visiting religious places. Some temples may prohibit modern Western clothing. It is important to observe specific customs and practices at each site, such as removing footwear before entering the inner sanctum.
The best time to visit these famous temples in Karnataka is from October to March. The weather is pleasant, making it comfortable for travellers to explore temples and other sacred sites.
