9 Famous Temples and Information in Karnataka
Travel
·8 min read

9 Famous Temples and Information in Karnataka

9 Famous Temples and Information in Karnataka

Karnataka is one of the oldest states among other Indian states. It was ruled by many kings and dynasties who made great contributions to preserving the culture and heritage of this place. Especially during the reign of the Hoysalas, many magnificent temples were built which were also used as platforms to display their artistic and architectural skills. However, it was during the reign of Vijayanagar that the construction of large temples became the focus.

Kings and royals are personally responsible for maintaining these temples as it is considered one of the seven merits. The temples display typical Dravidian architecture, with a Garbhagriha, a Shukanasi, an Antarala connecting the inner sanctuary to the outer Mandapa. Temples played an important role in bringing together all artisans such as sculptors, painters and architects, and they maintained a healthy competition in showcasing their skills.

In this article, we have rounded up some of the famous historical temples in Karnataka that are sure to captivate you with their incredible art and architecture.

List of incredible temples in Karnataka with pictures:

Check out these ancient temples in Karnataka that are a must if you plan to visit the state:

Contents of the table:

    1. Mookambika Temple Karnataka.
    2. Margandshwara Temple.
    3. Badami Cave Temple.
    4. Iskan Temple in Karnataka.
    5. Nandi Cow Temple.
    6. Omkareshwara Temple.
    7. Virupaksha Temple.
    8. Supreme Krishna Temple.
    9. Monkey Temple.

1. Mookambika Temple Karnataka:

Mukabika Temple is about 147 kilometers from Mangalore, Karnataka. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and is said to have been built by Pashurama. This temple is known for its sacred atmosphere and pleasant environment. The building is brilliant and perfect. The idol of Goddess Mookambika is the Jyothirlingam composed of Shakti and Shiva. The temple has a strict dress code, with sarees and salwars for women and white robes for men. It looks even more beautiful during the festivals of Navrathri.

  • address: Kollur, Kundapur Taluk, Udupi District – 576220
  • time: 5:00am – 1:30pm and 3:00pm – 9:00pm
  • dress code: Strictly traditional dress
  • About. Visiting time: 1-2 hours
  • how can I get there: 80 km from Udipe and 135 km from Mangalore
  • Temple website: www.kollurmookambika.org/
  • Best time to visit: Navaratri
  • Other attractions: Mukabika Wildlife Sanctuary

2. Markandeshwara Temple:

The Markandeshwara Temple is about 13 kilometers from the small village called Raichur. This is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most attractive temples you will ever see. This is believed to be the place where Sage Markandeya performed his penance for Lord Shiva, hence the name Markandeshwara. The temple and the pool next to it date back to the 12th century, making it one of the oldest temples in Karnataka. Most of the Hindu festivals such as Janmashtami, Risi Panchami, Sankranti and Rakhi Purnima are celebrated here with grandeur.

  • address: Ashok Nagar, Raichur, Karnataka 584103
  • time: 5:00am – 1:30pm and 3:00pm – 9:00pm
  • Dress Code: Traditional clothing
  • About. Visiting time: 1 hour
  • how can I get there: 13 km from Raichur
  • Temple website: not applicable
  • Best time to visit: Sivarathri, Janmastami and Sankranti
  • Other attractions: The Temple Tank, as old as the Temple, has great mythological significance.

3. Badami Cave Temple:

Badami Cave Temple is located in Bagalkot district of Karnataka. It is built of rock and is representative of Badamichalukya architecture. There are four caves here; two belong to Lord Vishnu, one to Lord Shiva and another to Mahavir, the great Jain. These cave temples are among the first in the Deccan region and show their influence on the next generation of architecture. Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Badami cave temples are filled with magnificent paintings, sculptures and gigantic stone statues.

  • address: Badami, Karnataka 587201
  • time: 9:00am to 5:30pm
  • Dress Code: no dress code
  • About. Visiting time: 2 to 3 hours
  • how can I get there: 106 km from Hubli Airport, 5 km from Badami Bus Station
  • Temple website: not applicable
  • Best time to visit: July to September is the ideal time to visit Badami
  • Other attractions: Lake Agastia.

[See More: Festivals In Karnataka]

4. The Iskan Temple in Karnataka:

The Iskan Temple in Karnataka is located in the north of Bangalore and developed in a neoclassical style. It has four gopurams dedicated to different Hindu gods and goddesses. The Janmashtami celebrations are lively and thousands of devotees come here every year. It is also the largest temple in Karnataka and the largest ISCKON temple in the world, attracting tourists from all over the world.

  • address: Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Rd, Rajaji Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka 560010
  • time: 4:15 am – 5:00 am, 7:15 am – 1:00 pm, 4:15 pm – 8:20 pm
  • Dress Code: Traditional clothing
  • About. Visiting time: 1-2 hours
  • how can I get there: 33 km from Bangalore Airport, 16 km from the railway station
  • Temple website: www.iskconbangalore.co.in/
  • Best time to visit: Janmashtami and other important Hindu festivals
  • Other attractions: The temple is famous for its Kichdiprasadam and other small stalls selling books and other items

5. Nandi Niu Temple:

The Nandi Bull Temple in Karnataka is a beautiful and unique temple located in the south of Bangalore. Bulls are considered to be Nandi demigods and are especially valued and revered. It is carved from a single stone and is about 4.6 kilometers high. Special Hindu festivals such as Shivrathri are celebrated here with energy, joy and happiness. It is located in a park called Bugle Rock, known locally as DoddaBasavannaGudi. This is one of the most famous temples in South Karnataka.

  • address: Bull Temple Rd, Basavanagudi, Bangalore, Karnataka 560004
  • time: 6:30am – 1:00pm, 4:30pm – 8:00pm
  • Dress Code: Traditional clothing
  • About. Visiting time: 1-2 hours
  • How to reach: 53 minutes drive from Bangalore Airport
  • Temple website: not applicable
  • Best time to visit: Siva Rathri, Kartheeka Masam and Kadaleekayi Parishe
  • Other attractions: Horn Rock Garden

6. Omkareshwara Temple:

Omkareshwara Temple was built in 1820 by Linga Rajendra II. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and reflects the rich customs and traditions of Hindu culture. It is located in the town of Madikeri in Coorg. The special feature of this temple is that it reflects Islamic and Hindu Gothic architecture. Tourists visiting Coog should definitely visit this shrine, which is one of the ancient temples in Karnataka.

  • address: State Highway 88, Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Karnataka 571201
  • time: 6:30 am to 12:00 noon; 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
  • Dress Code: no dress code
  • About. Visiting time: 1 hour
  • how can I get there: The nearest train station to Madikeri is Hassan, approximately 115 km away. You can reach this location by bus or taxi.
  • Temple website: not applicable
  • Best time to visit: Siva Rathri, Kartheeka Masam
  • Other attractions: Water tanks on the temple campus.

[See More: Tourist Places in Karnataka]

7. Virupaksha Temple:

The Virupaksha Temple in Karnataka is an absolute beauty. This famous Shiva temple in Karnataka is very close to the Tungabadra river. It is located in Hampi in the Balari district and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple was built by Rakandan Desha, the chieftain under King Devaraya II. Virupaksha Temple was once a center of social and religious activities and was considered to be one of the holiest pilgrimage centers in Hampi at the time. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Virupaksha along with his consort Pampa Devi.

  • address: Hampi, Karnataka 583239
  • time: 9:00am – 1:00pm, 5:00pm – 9:00pm
  • Dress Code: no dress code
  • About. Visiting time: 1-2 hours
  • how can I get there: Bellary is the main town and from there you can take a taxi to Hampi, which takes only 1:45 minutes.
  • Temple website: not applicable
  • Best time to visit: Virupaksha in December and Kalyanam in Pampa, Annual Chariot Festival in February
  • Other attractions: There are many ancient buildings and ruins near this temple such as Queen’s Bath, Krishna Bazaar, etc.

8. Shri Krishna Temple:

Shri Krishna Temple at Udipi is about 1,500 years old. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and contains some of the oldest shrines built of wood. This temple looks like a monastery and is one of the beautiful temples located in Karnataka. It was established by Shri Madhwacharya, a Vishnu sage in the 13th century. The special feature of this temple is that devotees can catch a glimpse of Lord Krishna through a small silver-plated window with nine holes called Navagraha Kindi.

  • address: Temple Car St, Sri Krishna Temple Complex, Thenkpete, MaruthiVeethika, Udupi, Karnataka 576101
  • time: 4:00am to 9:00pm
  • Dress Code: Traditional clothing
  • About. Visiting time: 1-2 hours
  • how can I get there: You can take the train to Udipi train station and hire a taxi from there
  • Temple website: http://www.udipikrishnamutt.com/
  • Best time to visit: Janmashtami and other famous Hindu festivals
  • Other attractions: Don’t miss the temple feast served daily at lunchtime.

9. Monkey Temple:

The Monkey Temple is located on Anjanadri Hill in Karnataka and is dedicated to Hanuman. The temple has the granite structure of this deity, and right next to it, the shrine of Lord Rama and his consort Sita can be seen. The mountain is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, and climbing to the top will give you a beautiful view of the entire city of Hampi. To get to the temple you have to take many steps which can be quite strenuous if you are not prepared.

  • address: Anjanadri mountain, Hampi
  • time: 4:00am to 9:00pm
  • Dress Code: Traditional clothing
  • About. Visiting time: 1-2 hours
  • how can I get there: Once in Hampi, you need to head to the Virupapur Gadde area, from where you can reach the base of the mountain by bike or scooter.
  • Temple website: not applicable
  • Best time to visit: Sri ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti
  • Other attractions: Great view of rice fields and Tungabadra river.

[See More: Waterfalls In Karnataka]

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:

1. Is there a best season to visit Karnataka temples?

Karnataka temples can be visited all year round. However, on important days like festivals and annual temple fairs, the festivities are beautiful and worth seeing. However, it can get very crowded on these days, and you can plan for other days of the year if you’re looking forward to spending some time admiring the temple.

2. What other ancient temples are there in Karnataka?

In addition to the list mentioned in the article, there are many more ancient temples in the state. Famous ones are Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple in Gokarna, Murudeshwara Temple in Karnataka, Kukke Subramanya swamy Temple in South Kannada Region. These are very beautiful temples popular for their architectural and religious significance.

3. Are photos allowed in Karnataka temples?

As a general rule, photography is prohibited in many temples, especially around the nave of the temple. It is best to follow these rules to avoid unnecessary trouble with temple authorities. However, many of these temples have cameras available for an extra fee, as long as you keep the camera in the outer area of ​​the temple.

What attracts people about Karnataka is that in addition to its stunning natural beauty, the state has a large number of ancient temples with beautiful architecture. Not only do they attract local crowds but also foreign tourists who are mesmerized by the beauty and make Karnataka their home. Each of these temples is in…