Temples in Karnataka

The State of Karnataka is known for its abundance of tourist attractions and temples.
There is a radiance of peace and tranquility that encompasses the temples. Temple complex highlights the rock-cut temples and ancient shrines in Karnataka. These famous Hindu temples have sustained through the adversity of time.

Temples of Karnataka represents the typical Dravidian style of architecture. Pilgrimage centers such as Mookambika and Udupi nestling on the western ghats showcases the ruins of the once grand Vijayanagar edifices at Hampi. The Hoysala temples marked with a prodigality of complex sculpture, the Ancient Temples built by the Cholas and the Chalukyan Temples attracts thousands of devotees across the globe.

Bull Temple
Bull Temple is situated in the capital city of Bangalore. The main attraction of the temple is the 4.57-m high and 6.10-m long image of Nandi - the Lord Shiva's bull. This remarkable bull temple is carved out of rock was constructed by Kempe Gowda in the 16th century.

Originally the color of bull Nandi was gray which has now turned black due to the continuos applying of coconut oil by the devotees on the holy bull deity. The charm of the temple is its carving, the statue of the bull has been carved out of a single granite rock. The sculpture attracts thousands of devotees from far and wide areas. The temple is occupied throughout the year with religious ceremony and events held in the temple premises.

Note: Non Hindus are not allowed in the temple. On weekends, musicians present their concerts at the temple.

Badami Cave Temples
Badami is famous for its cave temples - all hewn out of sand stone on the cliff of a hill. Badami arrayed with most picturesque location is worth a visit site. The region is adorned with pristine blue lake, famous ancient temple shrines, museum and above all Hindu and Jain caves, carved out of Sandstone. The largest and most ornamental is the third cave temple dedicated to Vishnu.

A reservoir thronged with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva (holy deities of Hindu's) is another attraction of the region. Also a must are the Bhutanath temples that lend their name to the lake beneath the cave temples.

Markandeshwara Temple at Kallur Near Raichur
Markandeshwara Temple at Kallur is dedicated to Lord Markandeshwara (Shiva). Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagar Empire worshipped in these temples along with his family. The Markandeshwara is the oldest temple with exquisitely carved, polished pillars.

Mookambika Temple at Kollur Near Mangalore
Mookambika Temple is located in Kollur town near Mangalore. This famous temple is dedicated to the deity Mookambika (Devi). In front of the image of the Goddess Mookambika their is a Jyotirlingam which is of great antiquity.

Special features of the lingam - a golden line divides this lingam into two unequal parts and is visible only in the light of reflected sunlight pointed at the lingam. The right portion of this lingam is said to represent Bhrama, Vishnu and Shiva - and the larger left part represents the Godess Kali, Lakshmi and Saraswathi. Adi Sankara the great religious leader had installed the metal image of the Goddess behind the lingam.

Nandi Temples At Nandi Hills Near Bangalore
The Nandi Temple perched on the foothills of Nandi Hills dates back to the period of the Banas, Cholas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagar Kings. The temple is dedicated to deities Bhoganandiswara, Yoganandiswara (Shiva). The temple received extensive patronage from the Vijayanagar Kings. The pillars and metalwork deserve special mention.

Narada Temple At Naradagadde Near Raichur
Narada Temple is dedicated to the Divine Sage Narada. This temple is constructed on Naradagadde - one of the most scenic islands on the Krishna River. Due to its exquisite location the temple is not only visited by devotees but also by the travel enthusiast who make their day on the bank of the river.

Pattabhirama Temple At Hampi Near Hospet
Pattabhirama Temple is situated in the city of Hampi. Lord Rama is the holy deity who is worshipped here with full dedication. This majestic temple is known for its splendid architecture that dates back to Vijayanagar period.


Sravanabelagola At Sravanabelagola
This history of Sravanabelagola goes back to the 3rd century BC. Sravanabelagola near Mysore is famous for a structural marvel - a monolithic statue of Gomateswara rising up to a height of about 60 feet. This majestic statue was erected in the 10th century AD. There are several Jain temples in Sravanabelagola, some of which are built in the Hoysala style.

Iskcon Temple
Iskcon temple in the city of Bangalore is one of the most popular and sought after pilgrimage centers in the region. The majestic temple complex, the supreme deities of Lord Krishna, Radha and the spiritual atmosphere makes the pilgrimage one of the most holy sites. This temple attracts people from national and international front every week.

Gavi Gangadhareshvara Temple
The Gavi Gangadhareshvara temple was constructed in the 16th century by Kemoe Gowda. The temple is located inside a rock cave in Gavipuram and is one of the Banglore's oldest temples. The main attractions of the temple are the granite pillars that supports colossal discs symbolizing the sun and the moon. The special feature of the temple is a unique phenomenon of the evening sun's rays passing between Nandhi's horns and falling directly on the linga inside the cave.

Famous Temples of Karnataka

Gokarnanatha, Mangalore

Kadri Manjunatha, Mangalore

Mangaladevi Temple, Mangalore

St. Aloysius church, Mangalore

Subramanya Temple, Subramanya near Mangalore

Kukke Subhramanya Temple, Near Mangalore

Manjunatha Swamy Temple, Dharmasthala

Bahubali Temple, Dharmasthala

Ram Mandir, Dharmasthala

Annapoorneshwari Temple Horanadu

Annapoorneshwari Temple Horanadu

Chaturmukha Basadi - Karkala

Gomteshwara, Moodbidri

Annapoorneshwari Temple Hosanadu

Savirakambada Basadi

Sringeri Mutt

Mookambika Temple - Kollur

Vinayak Temple near Udupi

Murudeshwar Mahadev Temple

Bahubali Temple

Murudeshwar Mahadev Temple

Udupi Krishna Mutt

Sringeri Mutt near Udupi

Kukke Subhramanya

Shri Veerabhadra Temple, Godachi