See The 11 Most Popular Hindu Temples In Karnataka
Hindu Temples In Karnataka
Southern India’s Karnataka state is home to an impressive array of Hindu temples that serve as symbols of the region’s rich cultural and historical legacy. These are the top five Karnataka temples, which are well-liked by both tourists and believers due to their impressive architecture and spiritual significance.
11 Hindu Temples In Karnataka
1. Durga Temple, Aihole
- Durga Temple, Aihole History: Constructed by the Chalukyas during the 7th and 8th centuries, the Durga Temple in Aihole is a prime example of Dravidian architecture. Rather than being named after the goddess Durga, this temple’s apsidal construction is unique in Indian architecture. It is named after the word “Durgam” (tough).
- Festivals: Devotees visit the temple during the annual temple festival, however it is not as busy during big festivals.
- Leadership: Mostly a heritage site rather than a functioning place of worship, it is overseen by the Archaeological Survey of India.
2. Vidyashankara Temple, Sringeri
- History: Hoysala, Vijayanagara, and Dravidian architectural traditions are combined in this temple, which was built in 1338 AD by Vidyaranya as a memorial to his mentor Vidyashankara. It is well-known for having twelve zodiac pillars and its astronomical importance.
- Festivals: Shankara Jayanti and Navaratri are two important celebrations.
- Leadership: The Sringeri Sharada Peetham, one of the four Advaita Vedanta mathas founded by Adi Shankaracharya, is in charge of the temple.
- Also Read About The Angkor Temple History
3. Kollur Mookambika Temple, Kollur
- History of Kollur Mookambika Temple: This historic temple was built more than 1200 years ago and is devoted to the goddess Mookambika. Adi Shankaracharya is thought to have dedicated the shrine himself.
- Festivals: The yearly Car Festival and Navaratri are two significant celebrations.
- Leadership: The Muzrai Department of the Karnataka government is in charge of overseeing the temple.
4. Vitthala Temple, Hampi
- History: Vitthala Temple in Hampi is well-known for its distinctive stone chariot and melodic pillars. It was constructed in the fifteenth century, under the reign of Devaraya II of the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Festivals: The yearly Purandaradasa Aradhana, which honours the poet-saint Purandaradasa, brings the temple to life.
- Leadership: Primarily a heritage site, it is overseen by the Archaeological Survey of India.
5. Sree Virupaksha Temple, Hampi
- History: which is devoted to Lord Shiva (Virupaksha), dates back to the 7th century and underwent major expansions during the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Festivals: Two of the biggest events are the Pampa Devi festival and the yearly chariot festival.
- Leadership: Local temple authorities and the Archaeological Survey of India oversee the management of the temple.
6. Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna
- Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna History: The Puranas mention this over a millennium-old temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva. Here, the Atmalinga is greatly respected.
- Festivals: The most important holiday observed here is Maha Shivaratri.
- Leadership: The Karnataka government is in charge of running the temple.
Hindu Temples in Karnataka
7. Keshava Temple, Somnathpur
- History: This temple, which is a magnificent example of Hoysala architecture, was constructed in 1268 AD by Somanatha, a commander of Hoysala king Narasimha III.
- Festivals: The temple hosts local celebrations on significant Hindu holidays while being primarily a heritage property.
- Leadership: Under the direction of the Indian Archaeological Survey.
8. Murudeshwar Shiva Temple, Bhatkal
- History of Murudeshwar Shiva Temple, Bhatkal: The temple, which houses a massive figure of Lord Shiva, was significantly renovated in the 20th century thanks to the generous donations of philanthropist R. N. Shetty.
- Festivals: The main, lavishly celebrated celebration is Maha Shivaratri.
- Leadership: The Murudeshwar Temple Management Trust is in charge of overseeing the temple.
9. Kolar's Kotilingeshwara Temple
- HistoryThis temple was founded in 1980 by Swamy Sambha Shiva Murthy and is well-known for its 108-foot-tall Shiva Lingam and more than 10 million smaller lingams.
- Festivals: Two important festivals are Maha Shivaratri and Shravana.
- Leadership: The Kotilingeshwara Temple Trust is in charge.
10. Banashankari Amma Temple, Bagalkot
- History: Constructed in the 7th century by the Chalukyas of Kalyani, the temple is devoted to the goddess Banashankari.
- Festivals: The most well-known event, Banashankari Jatre, attracts thousands of followers.
- Leadership: Under the Muzrai Department of the Karnataka government.
11. Badami Cave Temples, Bagalkot
- History: These rock-cut temples are devoted to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain deities. They date back to the Chalukya empire in the sixth century.
- Festivals: During religious holidays, the temples are less busy and a popular tourist destination.
- Leadership: Under the direction of the Indian Archaeological Survey.
