Updated May 30, 2023
Popular Temples in Karnataka
Karnataka, a South Indian state, has a long history of preserving ancient heritage. Their historical significance, religious beliefs, and architectural grandeur are well-known. This region has several beautiful temples, particularly those from the Hoysala period, that exhibit ageless beauty and a distinct architectural style. However, in temple tours, Karnataka is one destination where there is always a bright moment.
Must Visit Temples in Karnataka
Below are a few prominent temples in Karnataka:-
#1 Badami Cave Temple, Udupi
Badami Cave Temple is a major mythological, religious site in Karnataka, located in the district of Bagalkot in the state of Karnataka. Scholars believe that this cave temple, situated on the banks of August Lake, dates back to the 6th century. The Badami Cave temples, built in 578 AD, are one of Karnataka’s most well-known historic temples. Built in the Chalukya architectural style. This Badami cave contains four major temples, three associated with Hinduism and one with Jainism. They carved the Badami cave temple out of the mountains’ rocks. The idol of God is also created here by cutting stones. The architecture of this temple, as well as the carvings done here, are highly regarded by history and architecture enthusiasts. Visitors to the Badami Cave Temple come from India and other countries worldwide. Avoid visiting the Badami Cave Temple during the summer; it will be too hot.
- Location: Badami Cave Temple, Karnataka
- Timings: 9 am – 12 pm; 4 pm – 7 pm (Monday to Friday); 9 am – 7 pm (Weekends & Holidays)
- Best time to visit: July to March
#2 Vidyashankara Temple, Sringeri
The Vidyashankara Temple, located in Sringeri, one of the state’s most popular pilgrimage destinations, attracts thousands of devotees yearly. They built the temple in memory of Guru Vidyashankara in the 14th century, incorporating both Hoysala and Dravida architectural styles. The temples contain large pearl-encrusted ruby images of Nandi, Lord Srinivasa, and Lord Venugopal. The temple has some inscriptions that outline the Vijayanagar emperors, which makes it one of the best in Karnataka.
The temple is easily accessible by bus and train from all major cities.
- Location: Sringeri, Karnataka 577139
- Timings: 6 am – 2 pm; 4 pm – 9:15 pm
- Best time to visit: October to March
#3 Murudeshwar Shiva Temple, Bhatkal
This Murudeshwara temple, located on Karnataka’s Kanduka hill, is an important religious site associated with Hinduism. The 123-foot-tall idol is the world’s second-largest Lord Shiva statue. This Murdeshwar temple is a Hindu temple dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva. The Arabian Sea also surrounds the temple on three sides, providing breathtaking views. It is one of India’s tallest temples. The Lord Shankar idol installed here has his eyes open as if looking around with his own eyes. Visitors to this Hindu religious site come from all over India, as well as from abroad. To reach this temple, take a train or bus from Bangalore to the Murudeshwar temple.
- Location: Murdeshwar, Karnataka 581350
- Timings: 3 am – 1 pm; 3 pm – 8 pm
- Best time to visit: October to February
#4 Vitthala Temple, Hampi
The Vitthala temple in Hampi is one of Karnataka’s most ancient temples. It is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is among the ruins of Hampi. The temple is an integral part of the ruins and one of India’s best UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can reach this magnificent temple from Bangalore Airport or Hospet Railway Station. It is one of the most popular attractions in this ruined town, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is renowned for its eye-catching structures, such as the monolithic musical pillars and a stone chariot.
- Location: Hampi, Karnataka 583239
- Timings: 8 am – 5 pm
- Best time to visit: November to February
#5 Kotilingeshwara Temple, Kolar
The Kotilingeshwara Temple lies in the Kolar district in a small Kammasandra village. The temple is easily accessible from Kolar’s gold fields. The Kotilingeshwara temple is one of the most well-known temples in Karnataka. Nearly 2 lakh devotees visit this temple annually on this auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri.
- Location: Koti linga Temple, Ghattiragadahalli,
- Timings: 6 am – 9 pm
- Best time to visit: July to January
#6 Mallikarjuna Temple, Pattadakal
Pattadakal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the seventh and eighth centuries. This location is home to well-known Hindu and Jain temples that are extremely important to followers of Hinduism and Jainism. Mallikarjuna Temple is one of these primitive temples, and it lies at the enthralling Pattadakal site. This temple’s presiding deity is Lord Shiva, who draws Shiva devotees all year. The main highlights of this temple are the Dravidian architecture and the beautiful carvings from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Panchatantra. Trailokeshwara Maha Saila Prasada is another name for this temple. They hold the Panchalinga Darshana every 12 years. Astrological calculations determine the precise date. Mudukuthore is also well-known for its annual agricultural fair, which lasts a week in January and February.
- Location: Pattadakal, Karnataka
- Timings: 6:30 am – 9:30 pm
- Best time to visit: October to February
Conclusion
Karnataka Temples are a must-see for any spiritual seeker or history buff. Check out this list of the most famous temples on your blissful vacation! While the list is endless, the temples listed above are some of the most important and beautiful in Karnataka that you should not miss on your next vacation. Visit all of these temples while in this beautiful state.
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