10 Most Famous Temples in Karnataka

When we think of Indian culture, how can we forget Karnataka?

This state is dedicated to some of India's most famous and historic landmarks, including its great temples. Karnataka's temples present a unique and exclusive look at the state's many religious traditions, from the complex carvings of the Hoysala architecture to the peaceful atmosphere of Chalukyan shrines.

Here, the temples are not only significant spiritual centers, but they also fascinate the attraction of visitors with their stunning architecture and wonderful artistry handiwork. Some temples are in breathtaking surroundings such as mist-covered hills, riverbanks, or busy cities or towns.

This blog will provide you with a list of the 10 most famous temples in Karnataka that are recommended to visit once in a lifetime.

Every temple we visit illustrates how devotion, architecture, and art can combine to create an endless tale.

Let us explore the,

Top 10 famous Hindu temples in Karnataka.

1. Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysuru
2. Virupaksha Temple, Hampi
3. Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple, Dharmasthala
4. Kukke Subramanya Temple, Subramanya
5. Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu
6. Chennakesava Temple, Belur
7. Sri Sharadamba Temple, Sringeri
8. Murdeshwar Temple, Murdeshwar
9. Udupi Sri Krishna Matha, Udupi
10. Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, Bengaluru

Let's read in detail,

• Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysuru

The Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysuru, Karnataka, is above the Chamundi Hills and is a spectacular example of Hindu spirituality and architectural excellence.

Standing tall at 3,489 feet, the temple provides amazing views of Mysore city including the iconic Lalitha Mahal Palace.

On the inside, the eight-armed idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is seated on a lion and carrying a Trishul, which originates strength and adoration.

The temple's enormous sculptures of Mahishasura, the demon she killed, and the Nandi Bull, Shiva's chariot, contribute to the temple's mysterious atmosphere.

The temple was built over a millennium ago by the Hoysala kings, and it is in the distinctive Dravidian style characterized by a quadrangular plan with a Gopuram (tower) and a Dwara (entrance).

Further improvements were made by Vijayanagar rulers in the 17th century, like the magnificent seven-tiered gopuram, enhancing the temple's architectural tapestries. According to mythologies, Sage Markandeya, the author of the Markandeya Purana, revered the idol in the sanctum sanctorum. The temple holds spiritual significance during Navratri when devotees flock to its halls to worship the sacred feminine. The spectacular sights during this festival will give you an overwhelming sense of pilgrimage tourism in Karnataka.

• Virupaksha Temple, Hampi

The Virupaksha temple was formerly a part of the old Vijayanagar empire and is not only a prominent Hindu temple in Karnataka but also one of the few living temples that still stands today.

The Vijayanagar Empire, considered one of the richest empires in history, features exquisite architecture and stunning paintings throughout the temple. The temple approach-way is lined by amazing old structures such as Hampi Bazaar and Hampi archaeological remains.

Surprisingly, this ancient temple is still one of the greatest pilgrimage areas to visit in Karnataka. Its other features are the three-headed idol of Nandi (Vahana of Lord Shiva) which is one of the only kind in the world. Also, the temple's gopuram creates a shadow in the courtyard, and the image falls on a wall through a small hole that acts as a pinhole camera and casts an inverted shadow of the temple.

• Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple, Dharmasthala

Shri Dharmasthala temple is one of South India's holiest sites, which is located in the village of Dharmasthala in the Belthangady Taluk of South Kanara District, Karnataka State. The temple is known for its holy Dham and beautiful environment.

It is truly a treasure of the Western Ghats.

Nethravathi River lies nearby, where pilgrims often take a ceremonial bath before heading to the temple. The primary presiding deity here is Manjunatha Swamy who is joined by Goddess Parvathi Devi's incarnation, Ammanavaru. Unlike usual Shiva temples, here Vaishnava priests perform daily rites for Lord Manjunatheshwara in Dharmasthala.

Dharmasthala is a holy Kshetra as it draws pilgrims of all faiths, including Muslims, Christians, Jains, and Hindus, who come to seek cures for their ailments.

This historic temple is where a Jain family was blessed centuries ago by the guardian deities of Dharmasthala. The 'Deepotsava' festival, celebrated every year in November or December, is an important festival that involves the burning of countless oil lamps all around the temple. Another unique aspect of Dharmasthala is its unusual Chair of Justice, where the Judge is known as Dharmadhikari.

• Kukke Subramanya Temple, Subramanya

The Kukke Subramanya Temple is a temple in Karnataka dedicated to Subramanya, also known as Kartikeya or Shanmukha, the brother of Ganesha and the son of Shiva and Parvati. It is located in the surroundings of Subrahmanya in the Sullia Taluk in Dakshina Kannada, surrounded by beautiful scenery. This famous spot, known both historically and mythologically as Nagaradhane is one of the seven sacred sites that Parashurama constructed.

Living with Vasuki, God Subrahmanya, the ruling god of the Kshetra, bestows divine blessings on devotees which is referred to as the Guptha Kshetra. Lord Subramanya, together with other Hindu gods and goddesses, purifies the temple that is shrouded in mystery.

The temple is believed to be one of Karnataka's seven temples constructed by Parashurama. Special blessings and rituals such as Sarpa Samskara, Sarpa Dosha, Ashlesha Bali Pooja, and others have made Kukke Subramanya a popular temple in Karnataka and around the world. The Saptarishis constructed Shiva Lingas, also known as Kukkelingas at Kukke, a group of these Lingas can be seen within the main temple.

It is said that the current temple is more than 5,000 years old. Kukke Subramanya was previously known as Kukke Pattana. The Gopuram, a usual Dravidian architectural structure, is at the western entrance to the main temple, which is situated against the magnificent background of Shesha Hill.

However, the temple entrance is positioned on the eastern side. A wooden chariot (Ratha) is used for Maharathothsavam which is visible near the main Gopuram. The outer courtyard houses a silver-plated Garuda Sthamba, while the main sanctum's idol is three stories high and comprises a five-headed cobra's coiled hood that serves as a canopy over Kartikeya or Subrahmanya.

Also read: Famous MahaVishnu Temples in India

• Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu

The Hoysaleshvara temple is one of the most beautifully sculpted structures in South Asia, located in the village of Halebidu in Karnataka, India. The temple is a twin temple dedicated to Hoysaleswara and Santaleswara Shiva lingam. It was built in the 12th century, this architectural gemstone represents the Dravidian heritage in all of its glory.

The temple is in the classic Mantapa style, with a sanctum sanctorum and a huge Mandapa (hall) where devotees meet. It is one of South India's most important temples devoted to Lord Shiva and had its construction spanning a remarkable 30 years.

But the true brilliance of the temple is in detail.

Feast your eyes on the outer walls, a canvas alive with stories carved in stone. Elephants march in a procession, legendary animals such as the Yali guard the entrances, and tales from the Ramayana and Mahabharata unfold in intricate panels. Look closer and you'll find exquisite flower designs. Inside the Garbhagriha a stellar-shaped ceiling and zigzag walls provide a continuous light and shadow that shifts all day. A perfectly polished Nandi bull, carved from black granite, stands guard for Lord Shiva.

The Mandapa is supported by four pillars that split the area into nine segments. Furthermore, the carved ceiling reflects the artists' abilities. You can find the Sun God, Ganesha, Shiva Parvati, and even the thousand-headed Ravana.

Also know about top monuments of Karmataka

• Chennakesava Temple, Belur

Consider walking into a 12th-century marvel and being welcomed by a sacred stepwell decorated with beautiful elephant sculptures. That is the attraction of the Chennakesava Temple, situated on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur, Karnataka.

Pushkarni, the stepwell at the entrance, sets the tone for pilgrimage tourism through history and art. The temple was built by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE, this architectural masterpiece illustrates the Hoysala dynasty's devotion. It almost took 103 years to complete with each inscription whispering of the love poured into its creation.

Walking around the temple you will witness one of the ancient and historical temples of Karnataka.

The exterior walls are a canvas for Mahabharata and Ramayana scenes, with each animal carving whispering significant tales. Lions roar with courage while Elephants represent strength. It’s a masterpiece where mythology and nature combine, leaving you breathless with its sheer detail. Chennakesava is remarkable for its temple history, spirituality, and stunning architecture.

• Sri Sharadamba Temple, Sringeri

Sri Sharadamba Temple is one of the holiest and most prominent Hindu pilgrimage destinations in Karnataka's Sringeri town. Sringeri is home to the first of the four Peethas (centres), which were founded by the renowned philosopher Adi Shankaracharya, the creator of Advaita philosophy.

The goddess of knowledge and learning, Sharadamba, is honoured in this shrine. Goddess Sharade is associated with learning, wisdom, music, and the arts. The golden statue of Goddess Sharade, recognized for her incomparable beauty is kept in the shrine.

Initially, the sacred place included a sandalwood Sharada Murti above the Sri Chakra, sculpted on stone by Sri Adi Shankara. Currently, the golden icon was installed in place of the sandalwood idol by Sri Bharati Krishna Tirtha. The current stone architecture was built by Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Nrisimha Bharati, who was sanctified in May 1916 by Sri Chandrasekhara Bharati. The Shilpa Sastras of Tamilnadu are engraved with deities such as Devis, Dwarapalakas, Raja Rajeshwari, and Durga, adorning the stone columns of the Mahamandapam.

The shrine radiates kindness and blessings, having been cleaned by Acharyas’s devotion. In 1999, Goddess Sharada received a one-crore rupee golden chariot dedicated by Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamigal. During Jagadguru's birthday celebrations, the sanctum’s entrance will be enhanced with the installation of golden doors featuring Ashta Lakshmi idols, this will increase its popularity to make it among the most famous temples in Karnataka.

• Murdeshwar Temple, Murdeshwar

The Murudeshwar Temple is one of the most famous temples in Karnataka and is well-known across India. The temple is devoted to Sri Mridesa Linga, a manifestation of Lord Shiva who is also known as Lord Murdeshwar. This temple is positioned atop the holy Kanduka Hills and surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides, which attracts hundreds of pilgrims every day. The complete temple complex, including the 75-meter-tall Raj Gopuram, was constructed in just two years.

The figure of Lord Shiva as Bhaghirnath portrays the sacred Ganga River falling is significant and adds to the temple's appearance. The twenty-story Raj Gopura, which provides stunning 360-degree views of the Murudeshwar Shiv Mandir, is one of Murudeshwar’s most distinctive tourist attractions.

The Gopuram temple and Shiva statue are more impressive at night. The temple was built by Chalukya and Kadamba sculptors and has an ancient history. It has been constructed in the usual South Indian Dravidian style. Two gigantic concrete elephants guarding either side of the Gopuram are notable additions. The entire complex retains the antique architecture, even though it looks modern.

• Udupi Sri Krishna Matha, Udupi

Udupi, also known as Parashurama Srishti, is one of Karnataka's seven holy religious tourism attractions. It is positioned between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. This coastal town is packed full of temples and rich in tradition, providing spiritual comfort and breathtaking beauty.

Undoubtedly, the most valuable site in Udupi is Sri Krishna Matha, commonly known as the Second Mathura. This beautiful temple was founded by Madhvacharya in the 13th century and holds the idol of Lord Krishna, which is claimed to be constructed by Arjuna himself. The temple's impressive architecture, with lavish carvings and massive gopurams, pays tribute to the creativity of the period.

The Navagraha Kitiki, a window with nine holes through which devotees offer prayers to the nine heavenly bodies, is what distinguishes it.

According to the tales, a saint named Kanakadasa was thrown away because of his caste. His commitment did not go in vain, and he continuously prayed through a gap in the wall. Lord Krishna appeared and touched him by his faith and offered him darshan through the little window. The saint’s shrine, the Kanakadasa Mantapa, serves as a constant reminder of the strength of steadfast devotion.

Nevertheless, the fascination of Udupi spreads well beyond Krishna Matha, still its importance cannot be ignored.

• Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, Bengaluru

The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, situated in a serene area in South Bangalore between Hanumanthanagar and Basavanagudi, has been declared a protected monument under the Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1961.

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to have Chola origins and shows Indian rock-cut architecture. It is also known as the Gavipuram Cave Temple and was built in the 9th century.

The temple has special features that are not commonly found in South India.

It is famous for holding a very rare idol of Agni, the fire deity, with three legs, seven hands, and two heads. The idol of Shakti Ganapati has twelve hands and four enormous pillars that represent Lord Shiva.

The Shiva Linga’s feet and Lord Shiva’s body are briefly lit by the setting sun as it passes through Nandi’s horns, which are timed to coincide with Makar Sankranti.

Inside the temple, visitors often kneel to look at Goddess Parvathi's Sannadhi. Despite the small size of the temple, live events are broadcast on television screens at the entrance of the temple because of the vast number of devotees that attend these events.

These are some of the most famous temples in Karnataka, and they are known for their moral and cultural significance.

Also explore wonders of Karnataka.