Famous Temples in Karnataka
The state of Karnataka is home to one of the most fascinating histories of any other Indian state. It was home to many kingdoms and dynasties, who contributed greatly to the preservation of the region's heritage and culture. Many temples were built especially during the Hoysala period. They also used them as platforms to showcase their talent in the fields of architecture and art. But construction of huge temples was the main priority during Vijayanagara rule.
The king and the royal members took the responsibility of maintaining the temples as they believed it to be the most important of the seven virtues. The temples are in traditional Dravidian architectural style, including the garbhagriha and shukanasi and the antara and outer mandapam connecting the inner sanctum. Temples played a vital role in bringing all the artists, painters, sculptors and architects to showcase their talents and maintain the spirit of competition.
List of Amazing Temples in Karnataka:
Table of Contents:
Mookambika Temple Karnataka.
Markandeswara Temple.
Badami Cave Temple
ISKCON Temple in Karnataka.
Nandi Bull Temple.
Omkareshwar Temple.
Virupaksha Temple.
Sri Krishna Temple
Monkey Temple.
1. Mookambika Temple Karnataka:
The Mookambika temple is believed to be 147 miles from Mangalore in Karnataka. It is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and is believed to have been built by Parasurama. This temple is famous for its holy atmosphere and peaceful surroundings. The design is beautiful and perfect. The idol of the deity Mukambika is a form of Jyotirlingam formed by Shakti along with Shiva. The temple is governed by strict dress codes, including salwars and sarees for women and white lungis for men. It looks even more spectacular during the festive season of Navratri.
Address: Kollur, Kundapur Taluk, Udupi District - 576220
Timings: 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Dress Code: Strictly traditional dress
Approximate Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
How to reach: 80 km from Udupi and 135 km from Mangalore
Temple Website: www.kollurmookambika.org/
Best time to visit: Navratri
Additional attractions: Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary
2. Markandeswara Temple:
It is 13 kms away from the small village of Raichur where Markandeswara Temple is located. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most stunning temples you will ever visit. It is believed to be the place where Sage Markandeya performed penance in honor of Lord Shiva and earned the name Markandeshwara. The temple and its adjacent tank date back to the 12th century and are considered one of the oldest Hindu temples in Karnataka, India. Many Hindu festivals like Janmashtami, Rishi Panchami, Sankranti and Rakhi Poornima are celebrated in this temple with great pomp and joy.
Address: Ashok Nagar, Raichur, Karnataka 584103
Timings: 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Dress code: Traditional dress
Approximate Visit Duration: 1 hour
How to reach: 13 km from Raichur
Temple Website: N/A
Best time to visit: Shivratri, Janmashtami and Sankranti
Another attraction: Temple Tank, which is as old as the temple itself and has significant mythological significance.
3. Badami Cave Temple:
It is located in Badami cave temple in Bagalkot district of Karnataka. It is built of stone and is a symbol of Badami Chalukya architecture. Four caves are found in this area out of which two are of Vishnu and one is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the fourth one is dedicated to the legendary Mahavira from Jainism. The cave temples are one of the oldest temples in the Deccan region and have proved their influence on future generations of temples. The Badami Cave Temples are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are filled with amazing artwork, sculptures and giant stone figures.
Address: Badami, Karnataka 587201
Timings: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
Dress Code: There is no dress code
Approximate Visit Time: 2 - 3 hours
How to reach there: 106 km from Hubli Airport and 5 km from Badami Bus Stand.
Temple Website: N/A
Best time to visit: July to September is the best time to travel to Badami
Other attractions: Explore Agastya Lake and Badami Caves
4. Karnataka ISKCON Temple:
It is an ISKCON temple in Karnataka located in North Bangalore and developed in neo-classical style and is one of the top temples in Bangalore. The temple has four gopurams which are dedicated to various gods and goddesses of Hinduism. The festival of Janmashtami brings great excitement and enthusiasm and thousands of devotees flock here every year. It is the largest temple in Karnataka and the largest ISKCON temple in the world and attracts tourists from all over.
Address: Hare Krishna Hill, Card Rd, Rajaji Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka 560010
Timings: 4:15 AM - 5:00 AM, 7:15 AM - 1:00 PM, 4:15 PM - 8:20 PM
Costume Code: Classic dress
Approximate Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
How to reach: 33 km from Bangalore Airport and 16 km from Railway Station
Temple Website: www.iskconbangalore.co.in/
Best time to visit: Janmashtami and other important Hindu celebrations
Other attractions: This temple is famous for shops selling books for sale of Kichdiprasam and other items.
5. Nandi Bull Temple:
Nandi Bull Temple in Karnataka is believed to be a beautiful and unique temple located in the southern region of Bangalore. The bull is believed to be a Nandi quasi-deity and is therefore given special importance and respect. It is made of one stone and is about 4.6 kilometers high. It is a special Hindu occasion like Shivaratri which is celebrated with great energy and joy. It is located in Bugal Rock Park and locals call it Doddabasavannagudi. It is one of the most famous places found in South Karnataka.
Address: Bull Temple Road, Basavanagudi, Bangalore, Karnataka 560004
Timings: 6:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Dress code: Traditional dress
Approximate Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
How to reach there: 53 minutes driving distance from Bangalore Airport
Temple Website: N/A
Best time to visit: Shivratri, Kartika month and Kadalikai Parishe
Other attractions: Bugle Rock Garden
6. Omkareswara Temple:
Omkareswara Temple was built in 1820 by Linga Rajendra II. It serves as a tribute to Lord Shiva and an expression of the rich traditions and culture of Hinduism. It is located inside the village of Madikeri in Coorg. The uniqueness of this particular temple is that it is a reflection of Islamic and Hindu Gothic architecture. Tourists coming to Coorg are advised to visit this temple which is one of the oldest temples in Karnataka.
Address: State Highway 88, Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Karnataka 571201
Timings: 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM; 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Dress Code: There is no dress code
Approximate Visit Duration: 1 hour
How to reach there: The nearest railway station to Madikeri is Hassan at a distance of 120 km. You can use auto or taxi to reach there.
Temple Website: N/A
Best time to visit: Shivratri, Kartika month
Other attractions: Water tanks in the temple premises.
7. Virupaksha Temple:
Virupaksha Temple in Karnataka is amazing. This famous Shiva temple in Karnataka is very close to Tungabhadra river. It is located in Hampi in Bellary district and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple was built by the chief of Lakkandandesha during the reign of King Devaraya II. Virupaksha is the center of religious and social activities. It is believed to be one of the holiest shrines in Hampi. Shiva is revered as Virupaksha and his consort Pampa as Devi.
Address: Hampi, Karnataka 583239
Timings: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Dress Code: There is no dress code
Approximate Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
How to reach there: Bellary is the main town from where you can catch taxis to Hampi which takes 1:45 to reach.
Temple Website: N/A
Best time to visit: Virupaksha and Pampa Kalyanam in December, Annual Rathotsavam in February
Other attractions: Hampi has many important temples as well as ancient structures and remains of these temples like Victoria Rani Sangam, Krishna Bazaar etc.
8. Sri Krishna Temple:
The Sri Krishna Temple in Udupi is believed to be around 1500 years old. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and has many ancient shrines built of wood. It resembles an ashram and is considered one of the most magnificent temples in Karnataka. It was founded in the 12th century by Sri Madhwacharya, a Vaishnava monk. The specialty of the temple is that people visiting it can see Lord Krishna through a small window which is silver plated and has nine holes, called Navagraha Kindi.
Address: Temple Car Street, Sri Krishna Temple Complex, Thenkpete, Marutiveetika, Udupi, Karnataka 576101
Timings: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Dress code: Traditional dress
Approximate Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
How to reach there: The easiest way to reach Udupi is by taking a train to Udupi railway station and taking a cab there.
Temple Website: http://www.udipikrishnamutt.com/
Best time to visit: Janmashtami and other popular Hindu celebrations
Additional attractions: Don't miss the temple feast, which is served daily at lunchtime.
9. Monkey Temple:
It is a monkey temple on Anjanadri Hill in Karnataka and is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is a granite design of this god, and a few steps away is the temple of Rama and his wife Sita. The hill is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman and offers a spectacular view of the entire city of Hampi. To get to the temple, you have to climb a lot of stairs if you are not ready for it.
Address: Anjanadri Hills, Hampi
Timings: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Dress code: Traditional dress
Approximate Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
How to reach: After reaching Hampi you need to proceed to Virupapur Gadde area where you can ride down the mountain on electric scooter or bicycle.
Temple Website: N/A
Best time to visit: Sri Rama Navami and Hanuman Jayanti
Other attractions: Amazing view of paddy fields as well as river Tungabhadra.
No comments