If you are planning to visit the religious places in Karnataka, you can miss the Vishnu temples of Karnataka. Karnataka is filled with amazing Vishnu temples. Each temple holds stories and history waiting to be discovered. Plan your next visit to listed Vishnu temples in Karnataka!
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Exploring Popular Vishnu Temples In Karnataka
This article will take you on a journey through some famous Vishnu temples in Karnataka. Explore these popular temples with us!
10 Famous Vishnu Temples In Karnataka to Bookmark for Your Next Vacation
Shri Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, Melkote
The Shri Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple is also called the Thirunarayanapura Temple. It is located atop a rocky hill overlooking the Kaveri Valley in Karnataka’s Mandya District.
The temple worships Lord Vishnu as Cheluvanarayana Swamy or Tirunarayana. Legends say that Lord Ram, along with his sons Lav and Kush, visited the temple and offered flowers to the deity. The deity is, therefore, called Ramapriya, the favourite of Lord Ram. It is open every day from 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM.
- How to reach the Shri Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple? The nearest airport to Shri Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple is Mysuru Airport. It is 63 km away. The nearest railway station is the Pandavapura Railway Station, located 29.7 km away from the temple. Visitors can also visit the temple via bus from the nearest Melkote Bus Stand, located just 700 m away.
- What is the Shri Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple famous for? The temple complex features a combination of architectural styles, including Hoysala and Vijayanagara influences. The temple complex also houses the Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple and a beautiful step-well pond called Kalyani.
- Best time to visit the Shri Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple: The perfect time to visit the Shri Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple is from October to March as the weather is pleasant and perfect for exploring.
Shri Ranganathaswami Temple, Srirangapatna
The Shri Ranganathaswamy Temple dates back to the 9th century. The Ganga dynasty rulers built the temple and later the Hoysala and Vijayanagara kings expanded it. Hence, the temple architecture features a blend of different styles and dynastic influences.
Lord Ranganatha is depicted in a reclining posture on the Serpent God, Seshnaga. It is one of the biggest idols of Lord Vishnu in the reclining posture. It is open daily from 7:00 AM to 1:30 pm in the mornings and from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM in the evenings.
- How to reach the Shri Ranganathaswami Temple? The nearest airport to Shri Ranganathaswami Temple is Mysuru Airport. It is 32 km away. The nearest railway station is the Sreerangapattana Railway Station, located 3 km away from the temple. Visitors can also visit the temple via bus from the nearest Sriranga Patna Stand, located 1.6 km away.
- What is the Shri Ranganathaswami Temple famous for? This temple is famous for the sleeping Lord Vishnu. It is also famous as the sleeping Vishnu temple in Karnataka.
- Best time to visit the Shri Ranganathaswami Temple: The ideal time to visit the Shri Ranganathaswami Temple is from October to March as the weather is cool and suitable for sightseeing.
Shri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple, Belur
The Shri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysalan architecture. The King Vishnuvardhaba built it to commemorate his victories against the Cholas. Therefore, it is also called the Vijaya Narayana Temple.
Intricate and masterful carvings make this 12th-century temple renowned. There are 80 Madamika sculptures on its wall, each depicting various poses. It is a World Heritage Site and 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, a characteristic feature of Hoysala architecture. Detailed carvings depicting scenes from the epics cover the temple walls. Supposedly, builders completed the temple in around 103 years.
- Best time to visit the Shri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple: The optimum time to visit the Shri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple is between October and March as the cool weather ensures a pleasant experience.
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Shree Vijaya Vitthala Temple, Hampi
The Shree Vijaya Vitthala Temple is Hampi’s most significant structure. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is Hampi’s largest, grandest, and most famous monument. This temple lies in the northeastern part of Hampi, on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.
The temple is an architectural marvel and is a fine specimen of the Vijayanagara era’s exceptional craftsmanship. 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 Hampi is Jindal Vijaynagar Airport. It is 37.5 km away. The nearest railway station is the Hospet Junction Railway Station. It lies 13 km away from Hampi.
- What is Shree Vijaya Vitthala Temple famous for? The most famous feature of the Vitthala Temple is the iconic stone chariot. Legends say it was the celestial chariot of Vishnu himself. The Ranga Mantapa houses the iconic 56 pillars, also known as the Saregama pillars.
- 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.
Sri Anantha Shayana Temple, Udupi
Dedicated to Lord Anathapadmanabha, a form of Lord Vishnu, the Shree Anatha Shayana Temple is located in Karkala. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protects the temple. It is open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM in the mornings and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evenings.
Construction began in the 16th century as a Jain basadi. Later, the structure was converted into a Hindu temple. Legend says that a Jain king offered to construct a basadi for Sri Narasimha Bharathi Swamiji, a revered Hindu saint. However, the Swamiji insisted on having a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- How to reach the Shree Anatha Shayana Temple? The nearest airport to Shree Anatha Shayana Temple is Mangaluru International Airport. It is 46.4 km away. The nearest railway station is the Udupi Railway Station, located 39.9 km away from the temple. Visitors can also visit the temple via bus from the nearest Karkala Bus Stand, located just 850 m away.
- What is the Shree Anatha Shayana Temple famous for? A colossal idol of Lord Vishnu, carved from a single block of black stone, serves as the temple’s main attraction. The idol depicts Vishnu reclining on the Serpent God Seshnaga, with Brahma emerging from a lotus flower springing from Vishnu’s navel.
- Best time to visit the Shree Anatha Shayana Temple: The most suitable to visit the Shree Anatha Shayana Temple is from October to March as the weather is moderate and ideal for travelling.
Shri Kote Venugopala Swamy Temple, Devanahalli
The Shri Kote Venugopala Swamy Temple worships Lord Venugopala, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu. The Devanahalli Fort in Devanahalli (also called Devanapura), 35 km northeast of Bangalore, houses the temple. It is open everyday from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the mornings to 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evenings.
According to legends, the Vijayanagara rulers built this temple in the Dravidian architectural style. It is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. On the Chaitra Poornima day, every April, a festival called Utsav is celebrated when the temple is thoroughly cleaned and washed.
- How to reach the Shri Kote Venugopala Swamy Temple? The nearest airport to Shri Kote Venugopala Swamy Temple is Kempegowda International Airport. It is 13.2 km away. The nearest railway station is the KSR Bengaluru City Junction, located 36 km away from the temple. Visitors can also visit the temple via bus from the nearest Devanalli-Hoskote Bus Stop, located 1 km away.
- What is the Shri Kote Venugopala Swamy Temple famous for? The temple is famous for depicting Lord Venugopala standing with a flute in his hand. This is quite different to the more common depiction of Vishnu reclining on the serpent Ananta.
- Best time to visit the Shri Kote Venugopala Swamy Temple: The ideal to visit the Shri Kote Venugopala Swamy Temple is from October to March as the temperature is lower.
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Kote Shri Prasanna Venkataramana Swami Temple, Bangalore
The Kote Venkataramana Temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, a form of the god Vishnu. Located on Krishnarajendra Road, it is the famous Vishnu temple in Bangalore.
It was built in 1689 by King Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar, the ruler of Mysore at the time. The temple features a blend of Dravidian and Vijayanagara styles. It is open everyday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the mornings and from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM in the evenings.
- How to reach the Kote Shri Prasanna Venkataramana Swami Temple? The nearest airport to Shri Kote Venugopala Swamy Temple is Kempegowda International Airport. It is 36.2 km away. The nearest railway station is the KSR Bengaluru City Junction, located 3.5 km away from the temple. Visitors can also visit the temple via bus from the nearest KR Market bus stand, KR Market Bus Stand, located 850m away.
- What is the Kote Shri Prasanna Venkataramana Swami Temple famous for? Legend has it that during the Third Anglo-Mysore War, a pillar in the temple shielded Tipu Sultan from a British cannonball, saving his life.
- Best time to visit the Kote Shri Prasanna Venkataramana Swami Temple: The perfect to visit the Kote Shri Prasanna Venkataramana Swami Temple is from October to March when the weather is cool and soothing.
Keerthi Narayanaswami temple, Talakadu
King Vishnuvardhana constructed the Keerthi Narayanaswami Temple. The temple is one of the Pancha Narayana temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Karnataka. This Vishnu temple near Mysore is one of the earliest examples of Hoysala architecture. It is open every day from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Originally, a shrine dedicated to Sundaravalli Thayar existed within the temple. It was changed to the navaranga mandapam which now houses a statue of Keerthi Narayana. The idol is 9 FT and stands on Garuda Peetha, holding the Shankha, Chakra and Gadha.
- How to reach the Keerthi Narayanaswami Temple? The nearest airport to Keerthi Narayanaswami Temple is Mysuru Airport. It is 55 km away. The nearest railway station is the Mysore Railway Station, located 50.6 km away from the temple. Visitors can also visit the temple via bus from the nearest KR Market bus stand, KR Market Bus Stand, located 850 m away.
- What is the Keerthi Narayanaswami Temple famous for? Legends say that Lord Indra, king of the gods, sinned by killing a Brahmin during the Dwapara Yuga. Seeking liberation, Indra prayed to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu instructed him to install five Narayana idols in the region as a form of atonement.
- Best time to visit the Keerthi Narayanaswami Temple: The ideal to visit the Keerthi Narayanaswami Temple is from October to March due to the moderate weather.
Shri Chokkanatha Swamy Temple, Bengaluru
Located in Domlur, the Chokkanathaswamy Temple is a Chola temple in Karnataka. It is one of the oldest Vishnu temples in Bangalore, dating back to the 10th century. The temple worships Chokkanathaswamy, a form of Lord Vishnu. Raja Chola constructed this temple to commemorate his conquest of Yelahanka Nadu.
The Chokkanathaswamy temple, derived from the Telugu word ‘Chokka’ meaning ‘beautiful’, signifies the ‘temple of the beautiful god’. According to locals, certain areas of the complex are filled with pranic energy. The temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 5:45 PM to 8:30 PM.
- How to reach the Shri Chokkanatha Swamy Temple? The nearest airport is the Kempegowda International Airport, located 59 KM away from the temple. The nearest railway station is the KSR Bengaluru City Junction, located 9.3 KM away from the temple. Visitors can also take a bus from the Domlur Bus Stand which is located, just 500 M away.
- What is the Shri Chokkanatha Swamy Temple famous for? The temple showcases rich Dravidian architecture with the Vijayanagar-style Navaranga pillars. One unique aspect is its Saligrama stone idols, the most sacred stone worshipped by Vaishnavas.
- Best time to visit the Shri Chokkanatha Swamy Temple: The best time to visit the Shri Chokkanatha Swamy Temple is from September to February as the water is pleasant and perfect for exploration.
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Chandikeshwara Temple, Hampi
The Chandikeshwara Temple is famous for its remarkable Vijayanagara architecture. Here, Chandikeshwara, a form of Lord Vishnu, is worshipped.
Chandikeshwara is believed to be the gatekeeper of Lord Shiva’s abode. The presence of a temple dedicated to him within a Vishnu temple reflects the harmonious co-existence of these two prominent Hindu sects during the Vijayanagara era.
- How to reach Chandikeshwara Temple? The nearest airport to Hampi is Jindal Vijaynagar Airport. It is 37.5 km away. The nearest railway station is the Hospet Junction Railway Station. It lies 13 km away from Hampi.
- What is Chandikeshwara Temple famous for? The temple’s intricately carved pillars show the exceptional craftsmanship of the Vijayanagara era. It also shows the harmonious co-existence of the two prominent Hindu sects during the period.
- Best time to visit Chandikeshwara Temple: The best time to visit the Chandikeshwara Temple is from November to February when the weather is calm and mild.
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In conclusion, Vishnu temples in Karnataka stand as testaments to the enduring faith and artistry of a bygone era. Each temple, with its intricate carvings, captivating stories, and spiritual energy, offers a glimpse into the heart of Karnataka’s Hindu heritage. Whether you seek a historical deep dive, a moment of spiritual reflection, or simply marvel at architectural mastery, these temples offer them all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is the oldest temple of Vishnu in Karnataka?
The Chokkanathaswamy Temple worships Chokkanathaswamy, a form of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the oldest Chola temples in Karnataka, dating back to the 10th century.
The ideal time to visit the temples would be during the winter months (October-February) when the weather is pleasant and comfortable.
Photography policies vary depending on the temple. Some temples allow photography in the outer areas, while others might restrict it altogether. It’s always best to check with the temple authorities beforehand.
Many Vishnu temples in Karnataka celebrate Vaishnava festivals throughout the year. Some popular ones include Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Holi, Janmashtami, and Ekadashi.
While there are no strict dress codes, it’s advisable to dress modestly out of respect for the religious sanctity of the temples. Removing shoes before entering the garba griha is recommended.
