A List of 10 Most Famous Temples in Karnataka

We are talkin about here Top 10 Famous Temples in Karnataka. Karnataka without doubt is an integral part of old Indian culture and heritage. The state houses some of India's most significant and historic temples. Karnataka's temples provide a rare insight into each of the state's religious traditions.

Besides being spiritual centers, these ten Karnataka temples also attract visitors with their beautiful architecture and exquisite craftsmanship. The Top 10 temples in Karnataka covered in this blog make for fine examples of architecture and spirituality.

A List of 10 Most Famous Temples in Karnataka:

This blog will introduce to you 10 temples in Karnataka that demonstrate both beautiful architecture and peace of mind.

1.) Virupaksha Temple, Hampi

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The Virupaksha temple in Hampi was built by Lakkan Dandesha, the nayaka (chieftain) of Vijayanagara. It was constructed to praise Lord Shiva at his director during the Vijayanagar period.

It is another name for the Pampapathi temple and is one of the ruins of Hampi that are still standing today. Tourists and pilgrims flock to this temple, which is the oldest in Hampi. It is about 350 kilometers from Bangalore to Hampi. UNESCO has listed Hampi as one of its World Heritage Sites.

Established in the seventh century, Hampi's Virupakshna temple dominates. In December a large audience of gopis is born at the yearly Chariot festival held here to witness Lord Virupakhsa and Goddess Pampa 'betrothal and wedding ritual.

Find out: Hampi Badami Tour Package

2.) Chennakeshava Temple, Belur

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The Chennakeshava Temple is an outstanding example of Hoysala architecture, employed by the architects to full advantage. This temple which was dedicated to Lord Vishnu, dated from the 12th century. It had been constructed by Hoysala ruler Vishnuvardhana at this time.

Outside the temple are collections of exquisite carvings illustrating scenes from Hindu mythology, such as stories in both major epics (the Ramayana and Mahabharata) or minor ones like the Puranas. Inside the temple is a magnificent image of Lord Chennakeshava with an expertly carved framework rich in symbolism.

The temple's art depicts life as it was in the 12th century, with singers and dancers. Styles of temple construction also include delicately carved doors and pillars. If you are looking forward to seeing ancient life and history, don't forget the temple of Chennakeshava while on your tour.

Find out: Mysore Ooty Tour Package from Bangalore

3.) Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu

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The Hoysaleswara shrine is a Shiva temple located at Halebidu in the town of Hassan. Hoysaleswara Temple 150 km from Mysore. Construction of the temple started in the 12th century by King of Hoysala. The temple was then looted, and it went into ruins in the 14th century. The site is 16 km from Belur and 31 km from Hassan. Ponds, mantapas, and lakes surround the Hoysaleswara Temple.

It is well-known for its Hoysala era sculptures and architecture. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has designated this temple as a world heritage site. This temple is best visited during the Shivratri festival in February.

Find out: Chikmagalur Udupi Tour Package from Bangalore

4.) Sri Sharadamba Temple, Sringeri

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The world-renowned Adi Shankara--the most influential reformer and inspirator of the'samartha' (a motivational course for traditional students, usually used in schools)--established Sringeri Mutt in the eighth century AD Ancient primitive temple with long history.

This ancient, primitive Mutt on the banks of the Tunga River is dating from immemorial times and has a very rich succession [history]. The atmosphere here is very powerful and peaceful, as the building's rich history and great religious value are brought to mind.

Teaching Mahatma Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada, whose name means the World's Master Teacher. The Sringeri Mutt, a throne of the Vedas established some thousand years ago in commemoration of Santana Dharma that is oldest living tradition history spanning thousands of years behind him today.

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5.) Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore

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The Chamundeswari temple, dedicated to the sonorous sound of Vedas (i.e., sacred text), is built on top of the 1008 steps cut in stone leading up to it atop the Chamundi hills. The temple of the Chamundeshwari in Mysore, can be reached by one of two main roads. One can drive up the narrow valley road, while another may walk to get there.

The Chamundeswari Temple lies about 13 km from Mysuru city. And accessible by road from Nanjangud as well. The main temple is built in the Dravidian architecture and is quadrangular in shape.

Halfway up the hill on the approach to Chamundi Temple in Mysore is a gigantic statue of the Nandi bull that is up to 5 metres tall and 7.6 metres long. Legend has it that Lord Shiva rode this bull, which is believed to be made of a single piece of black granite.

Find out: Mysore Coorg Ooty Tour Package from Bangalore

6.) Murudeshwar Temple, Murdeshwar

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The Murudeshwar Shiva Temple, a famous pilgrimage place and work of art well known in its own right, is situated at Bhatkal in Karnataka. There is a Hindu shrine for Lord Shiva on the splendid Arabian sea coast. It is particularly renowned for one of the world's tallest statues--123 feet.

Its exquisitely carved pillars and harmonious architecture, together with the tranquility of its setting, provide followers as well as tourists a temptation not to miss out on. Among Karnataka's most famous temples, the Murudeshwar Shiva Temple is a truly breathtaking experience.

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7.) Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple, Dharmasthala

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Eight centuries in the making Located at Dharmasthala, it is also popularly known as Jangam and has long been one of India's most venerable temples. Few other Indian temples are more than a century old; this particular temple can confidently stand among not only Karnataka's but all of peninsular India 'temples The main god worshipped in this temple is Manjunatheshwara, the principal God of the religious establishment.

A lot of people come here from far and wide to pay their respects at his shivalinga (symbolic representation). River Nethravati is one of the local landmarks. Pilgrims who go to see this temple often stop here for a bath along the way.

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8.) Kukke Subramanya Temple, Subramanya

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The Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is a well-known Hindu temple in the Indian state of Karnataka. Lord Kartikeya, the serpent-lord, is revered here as Lord Subrahmanya, and the temple provides unsurpassed tranquilly and peace.

It is situated in the heart of Subrahmanya, Dakshina Kannada, and is bordered on all sides by lush vegetation. Kumara Parvatha, a mythical mountain, towering over the temple. Its location is that of a six-headed cobra--shaped mountain known as Shesh Parvatha.

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9.) Udupi Sri Krishna Matha, Udupi

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One of India's greatest saints (philosophers and religious reformers), the Sri Krishna Math was established in the 13th century along Karnataka's coast. The Udupi Krishna temple complex consists of three temples, one temple pond, several mathas (monasteries), a kalyana mantapa All the munches have been removed under Ananthesh's direction and green nets which are shaken periodically have replaced them.

A goshala (cow shed) is also there Many studies concerned with religious themes All else is raised in all directions around this central Krishna temple. This is all classical Dravidian architecture. It is evident on temple gopurams and doors.

10.) Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, Bengaluru

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This is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme god. Construction can be traced back to the 16th century AD, when it was erected by Bengaluru's architect/founder. The temple is within a cave, in Bengaluru's Gavipuram district.

The temple's courtyard is well-known for its huge pillars and structures. Moreover, it is rumored the Shivagange Temple has a hidden tunnel reaching up to its Garbha Gudi (a temple sanctum sanctorum), which lies some 50 kilometers away on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

Conclusion

Karnataka abounds in magnificent temples which bear witness to the state's rich cultural and architectural heritage. You should consider asking for tailor-made itineraries and personalized packages when you go to these 10 Karnataka temples.