Famous Temples in Karnataka That You Should Visit

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Karnataka, a state in southern India, is known for its rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels. Among its many treasures, the state is home to various magnificent temples that showcase ancient Indian art and architecture in full bloom. These temples not only serve as places of worship but also stand as testaments to the glorious past and the deep-rooted spiritual beliefs of its people.

From grand Dravidian-style temples to intricately carved stone structures, Karnataka’s temples offer a captivating journey through history, spirituality, and artistic brilliance. Whether you seek divine blessings, architectural marvels, or a glimpse into the vibrant culture of Karnataka, the famous temples of the state provide a captivating and immersive experience for visitors. In this article, we will cover the famous temples in Karnataka that should be added to the itinerary of your .

Famous Temples In Karnataka

1. Durga Temple

While talking about Karnataka’s famous temples, let’s discuss the famous Durga Temple. This temple is a remarkable example of early Chalukyan architecture. This ancient temple, dating back to the 7th century, is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is known for its unique and intricate design. The temple’s exterior is adorned with exquisite carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, including tales from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The sanctum of the temple houses a beautifully carved idol of Goddess Durga, attracting devotees and art enthusiasts alike. With its intricate detailing and architectural finesse, the Durga Temple stands as a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the Chalukyan artisans.

Location: Durga Temple is situated in Aihole, a historic town in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka.

Timings: 9 am–5 pm

2. Murudeshwar Shiva Temple

The Murudeshwar Shiva Temple in Bhatkal, Karnataka, is a renowned pilgrimage site and a stunning architectural marvel. Situated on the picturesque Arabian Sea coastline, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its towering 123-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva, which is one of the tallest statues in the world. The temple complex also features intricate carvings, beautifully adorned pillars, and a serene ambience that attracts devotees and tourists alike. The location of the temple, with the roaring waves of the sea as its backdrop, adds to its spiritual aura and visual grandeur. The Murudeshwar Shiva Temple offers a divine and awe-inspiring experience, making it one of the most famous temples in Karnataka.

Location: The Murudeshwar Shiva Temple is situated in the town of Murudeshwar, which is located in the Bhatkal taluk of Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka.

Timing: 3 am–1 pm and 3 pm–8 pm

3. Keshava Temple

The Keshava Temple is a remarkable example of Hoysala architecture and a testament to the artistic brilliance of the era. Built in the 13th century, this stunning temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is renowned for its intricate stone carvings and exquisite craftsmanship. The temple’s outer walls are adorned with intricate sculptures depicting various mythological stories, celestial beings, and floral motifs. The intricacy and precision of the carvings showcase the architectural prowess of the Hoysala dynasty. The sanctum of the temple has a beautifully carved idol of Lord Keshava, which attracts devotees and art enthusiasts from around the world.

Location: The Keshava Temple is located in the village of Somnathpur, which is situated in the Mandya district of Karnataka.

Timing: 9 am–5:30 pm

4. Kotilingeshwara Temple

The Kotilingeshwara Temple is a unique and awe-inspiring place of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva. What sets this temple apart is its incredible display of over 10 million lingams, making it one of the largest collections of lingams in the world. The lingams, symbolising the divine energy of Lord Shiva, are placed in the temple complex, creating a mesmerising sight. The main attraction of Kotilingeshwara Temple is a lingam that is 108 feet in height. This temple is among the famous Karnataka temples that attract visitors from far and wide.

Location: The Kotilingeshwara Temple is located in the village of Kammasandra, approximately 6 kilometres from Kolar town in the Kolar district of Karnataka

Timing: 6 am–9 pm

5. Badami Cave Temple

The Badami Cave Temple is an architectural marvel and a significant religious site. Dating back to the 6th century, these Dravidian style rock-cut cave temples are renowned for their intricate carvings. The temple complex comprises four main caves dedicated to Hindu deities Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Mahavira. Each cave showcases beautifully sculpted pillars, rock-cut sculptures, and detailed friezes depicting mythological stories and celestial beings. The Badami Cave Temple is not only a pilgrimage site but also a testament to the artistic prowess of the Chalukya dynasty that ruled the region. Exploring these ancient temples takes you on a fascinating journey that brings you close to history, art, and spirituality.

Location: The Badami Cave Temple is situated in the town of Badami, in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka

Timing: 9 am–12 pm; 4 pm–7 pm (Monday to Friday) and 9 am–7 pm (weekends and holidays)

6. Vidyashankara Temple

The Vidyashankara Temple is an architectural testament of Dravidian and Hoysala eras. Constructed in the 14th century, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple’s unique feature is its intricate craftsmanship. The walls and pillars are adorned with exquisite carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The serene ambience and awe-inspiring architecture of the Vidyashankara Temple make it a revered pilgrimage site and a cultural landmark, which attracts thousands of devotees, scholars, and architecture enthusiasts.

Location: The Vidyashankara Temple is located in Sringeri, a town situated on the banks of the Tunga River in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka.

Timings: 6 am–2 pm and 4 pm–9:15 pm

7. Banashankari Amma Temple

The Banashankari Amma Temple is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Banashankari. This ancient temple holds immense religious and historical significance, with its origins in the Chalukya dynasty, who constructed it in the 7th century. The temple’s architecture showcases a unique blend of Dravidian and Nagara styles, with a striking pagoda-like structure and beautiful carvings adorning its walls. Devotees flock to this temple to seek blessings from Goddess Banashankari, who is believed to fulfil the wishes of her devotees. Do not miss visiting this temple during your trip to Karnataka.

Location: The Banashankari Amma Temple is situated in the village of Banashankari, which is located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka.

Timings: 6 am–1 pm and 4:30 pm–8 pm

8. Kollur Mookambika Temple

When it comes to the popular temples in Karnataka, how can we forget to discuss the Kollur Mookambika Temple. This renowned Hindu pilgrimage site is dedicated to Goddess Mookambika. This ancient temple holds immense significance in Hindu mythology and is believed to be one of the most sacred Shakti Peethas in the country. The temple’s architecture reflects the traditional Kerala style, with exquisite woodwork, a pyramid-shaped roof, and beautiful murals on its walls. Devotees visit this temple to seek blessings from Goddess Mookambika, who is revered as the embodiment of knowledge, power, and motherly love. The tranquil surroundings, the divine presence, and the spiritual aura make the Kollur Mookambika Temple one of the most visited Karnataka temples.

Location: The Kollur Mookambika Temple is situated in the town of Kollur, which is located in the Udupi district of Karnataka.

Timings: 5 am–1:30 pm and 3 pm–9 pm

9. Vittal Temple

The Vitthala Temple is a masterpiece of Vijayanagara architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dedicated to Lord Vitthala, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, this temple is renowned for its exquisite stone carvings, intricate craftsmanship, and iconic musical pillars. The temple’s grandeur is reflected in its sprawling complex, which includes a magnificent pillared hall, ornate gopurams (gateway towers), and a beautiful stone chariot that stands as an architectural marvel. The main highlight of Vitthala temple is its unique musical pillars that produce different musical notes when struck, creating enchanting melodies. Visitors to the temple are captivated by the artistry and craftsmanship displayed in its carvings, the awe-inspiring stone chariot, and the spiritual ambience that pervades the sacred grounds. Make sure to visit this beautiful temple when visiting Karnataka.

Location: The Vitthala Temple is located in the village of Hampi, which is situated in the Bellary district of Karnataka.

Timings: 8 am–5 pm

10. Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple

The Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple is a known Hindu pilgrimage site and a significant centre of Shaivism. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple holds immense religious importance and is believed to be one of the sacred places where Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow (Gokarna). The temple’s architecture showcases the Dravidian style, with exemplary carvings, ornate pillars, and a striking golden dome. Inside the sanctum, devotees can witness the Atmalinga, a sacred representation of Lord Shiva, which is revered and worshipped with great devotion. The spiritual ambience, rhythmic chants, and the aroma of incense create an atmosphere of divinity at the Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple, attracting devotees and spiritual seekers.

Location: The Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple is located in the town of Gokarna, which lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea in Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka.

Timings: 6 am–12:30 pm and 5 pm–8 pm

11. Sree Virupaksha Temple

The Sree Virupaksha Temple is one of the most iconic and revered temples in Karnataka dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva. This temple stands as a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the Vijayanagara Empire. Believed to have been functioning uninterruptedly since the 7th century AD, the temple is considered one of the oldest functioning temples in India. Its towering gopuram (entrance tower), exquisite carvings, and majestic courtyards showcase the grandeur of Dravidian architecture. Inside the temple complex, devotees can witness various shrines dedicated to different deities and experience the divine aura during daily rituals and festivals. The Sree Virupaksha Temple holds immense religious significance and attracts devotees, history enthusiasts, and architecture lovers from around the world. You can pay a visit to this holy temple to seek blessings during your trip.

Location: The Sree Virupaksha Temple is situated in Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Bellary district of Karnataka.

Timings: 9 am–1 pm and 5 pm–9 pm

12. Chennakeshava Temple

The Chennakeshava Temple is a magnificent example of Hoysala architecture and a testament to the artistic brilliance of the era. This temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu was built in the 12th century by the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana. The temple’s exterior is adorned with beautiful carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, including epic stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas. The interior of the temple houses a divine idol of Lord Chennakeshava, with great detailing and fine craftsmanship. The artwork of the temple also depicts how the people in the 12th century used to live, including the singers and dancers. The temple complex also features intricately carved pillars and ornate doorways. If ancient life and history entice you, then do not miss out on a chance to visit Chennakeshava temple during your visit.

Location: The Chennakeshava Temple is located in the town of Belur, which is situated in the Hassan district of Karnataka.

Timings: 6:30 am–9:30 pm

Karnataka is a treasure trove of magnificent temples that showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage and architectural brilliance. To embark on a memorable journey to these famous temples in Karnataka, consider reaching out to for crafting personalised itineraries and curated packages. With their expertise and attention to detail, SOTC ensures a seamless travel experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the spirituality and cultural richness of Karnataka’s temples.

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