Religion has always been a significant part of India’s history. It holds true even to this day influencing every aspect of social, economic and cultural life. Karnataka is no exception and has a few Internationally acclaimed sites like Hampi, and Pattadakal in the North. Bengaluru has some old temples dating back to the city's origin. It's interesting that as we go through various temples, we also learn a bit about the state’s history and art forms. Let's dive deep into the temples of Karnataka!&nbsp;

It is a must-visit temple in Mysore. The goddess Chamundeshwari, the patron deity of the Wodeyars defeated Mahishasura, a demon who tortured the people of Mysore. The goddess bestows courage and strength to overcome the evils in one's life. The temple follows the Dravidian architecture style with massive and ornately carved gopura. A statue of Nandi, the vahana (vehicle) of Lord Shiva is in the Chamundi hills. During the Dasara festival, goddess Chamundeshwari is carried in a golden howdah on the royal elephant.&nbsp;

Location: Chamundi hill, Mysore
Timings: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

In Karnataka alone, there are at least 10 Bahubali or Gomateshwara statues. The popular ones are located in Shravanabelagola, Karkala, Dharmasthala, Venur and Gommatagiri. Gommatagiri in Mysore is stands tall at 16 feet on the Shravana Gudda hill. Gommatagiri translates to ‘Hill of Gomateshwara’. One often ignores Gomatagiri while touring Mysore since the popular tourist destinations are the Mysore Palace, Bandipur National Park, KRS and Chamundeshwari temple. Visiting the place helps one perceive the religious diversity of Mysore which is mostly unknown and forgotten.

Location: Bilikere hobli, Hunsur taluk, Mysore
Timings: 5:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Nanjundeshwara temple is a paradise for connoisseurs of art and architecture. Every sculpture and statue in the temple has a story to tell! Though not as internationally famous as Mysore Palace or Hampi in the Vijayanagara district, it is Karnataka’s underrated gem. Lord Nanjundeshwara or SriKanteshwara is worshipped in the temple. Both names signify the power of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva consumed poison and held it in his throat to save humanity. That turned his neck blue and is called Neelakant.&nbsp;

Location: Rashtrapati road, Nanjanagudu, Mysore
Timings: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Somewhere on the west coast of India stands the country’s second tallest Shiva statue against the backdrop of the sapphire Arabian waters. Sounds unreal, right? But no, Murudeshwara is a place of such beauty. The gopura of the temple is just impressive. It is built in the Dravidian style of architecture. The temple is Karnataka’s most sacred Shiva temple along with Dharmasthala and Nanjanajudu. When Raavana angrily crushed the Atma-Linga, its cloth fell in Murudeshwara where the Linga is now installed.&nbsp;

Location: Murudeshwara, Bhatkal, Uttara Kannada
Timings: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 8:15 PM

Chaluvanarayana swamy is an avatar of Lord Vishnu and abodes in the Yadugiri hills. ‘Cheluvanarayana’ means the most beautiful avatar of Narayana or Vishnu. Yoga Narasimha temple is located on top of a hill next to Cheluvanarayana temple. Devotees perform rituals and bathe in the Kalyani (man-made pond) of the temple. In recent years, the pond was revamped by the Infosys Foundation and devotees are not allowed to throw a little or use soap while bathing. The pillar carvings of the temple are remarkable and one is not to miss the annual Vairamudi Utsavam of the deity.

Location: Pandavapura taluk, Melukote
Timings: 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Not many of us are aware of the rich cultural and religious heritage of Bangalore. Bull Temple, Dodda Ganapati temple, Kadu Malleshwara and ISKCON are a few historical temples among the multitude in Bangalore. ISKCON is close to Orion mall and Narayana Nethralaya in Rajajinagar, a suburban locality. The temple is pristine and modern. Its interiors are adorned with marvellous paintings depicting the life of Sri Krishna. The temple also sells food, bags, clothes and statues of Hindu gods and goddesses on its premises.

Location: Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Road, Rajajinagar
Timings: 4:15 AM - 5:15 AM, 7:15 AM - 8:30 PM

Annaporneshwari means the ‘Goddesses of food’ and the deity bestows its devotees with good yield and prosperity. Accordingly, the temple offers free meals and snacks as prasadha to its devotees all year round. The temple is located on the hills of Chikkamagaluru and has a picture postcard of beauty. Akshaya Tritiya is the main festival as it brings prosperity and happiness. Many legends involving Lord Shiva, Parvati and Brahma are associated with the temple. So don't forget to visit goddess Annaporneshwari while in Chikmagalur.

Location: Horanadu, Mudigere temple, Chikkamagaluru
Timings: 6:30 AM - 9:30 PM

The temple is dedicated to Siddalingeshwara, an avatar of Lord Shiva. It is a popular religious hotspot among the locals. Siddalingeshwara is also the presiding deity of many families in Southern Karnataka. It is much a local ritual and tradition, unlike other places like Nanjangudu, Gokarna and Murudeshwar. A visit to the temple is a wonderful way to understand Karnataka’s heritage and perceive the diversity of customs and practices in different districts. The temple also offers Anna dana ( free food) for all the devotees.&nbsp;

Location: Yedeyuru, Kunigal taluk, Tumkuru, Karnataka
Timings: 4:30 AM - 9:30 PM

It is a very famous Chalukyan temple in Northern Karnataka close to other significant ones like Badami and Pattadakal. If you are an avid history reader, you might have come across various controversial articles concerning the temple. Though it's known as a Durga temple, Lord Surya (Sun god) is the presiding deity. It has an apsidal, a new architectural feature unseen in Hindu temples. An apse is a semicircular walled part of a church. The intricate statues of gods are as beautiful and spectacular.&nbsp;

Location: Aihole, Bagalkot, Karnataka
Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

The colossal Badami caves are just awe-inspiring! No one would ever imagine that a tiny hamlet in Northern Karnataka treasures gems of Chalukya architecture. It is a perfect place to seek out adventure and history in rural Karnataka and experience the local hospitality. As you enter the gates you can often spot kids playing cricket or monkeys joyfully clambering on these sandstone cliffs. The heritage of Chalukya is often eclipsed by the glory of Pandya and Chola while studying history, which makes this a place worth visiting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Location: Badami, Bagalkot, Karnataka
Timings: 9 AM - 5:30 PM

Virupaksha temple is a prominent religious centre in Hampi dedicated to Lord Shiva. Virupaksha is a form of Shiva where his third eye is open and regarded as the supreme lord who governs everything. Shiva was the patron deity of the Vijayanagara empire and was built on the banks of Tungabhadra. Apart from its mythological significance, the temple is famous for being a masterpiece concerning architectural and engineering aspects. Special days like Maha Shivaratri, Chariot festival, and Hampi Utsav are marked and celebrated with great grandeur.

Location: River road, Hampi
Timings: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Mookambika temple is part of the South Karnataka pilgrimage circuit that includes Dharmasthala, Sringeri, Kukke Subramanya, Horanadu Annaporneshwari, Gokarna, Murudeshwara and others. The goddess is an avatar of Parvathi, wife of Shiva and bestows strength and bravery to her devotees. She protected humanity from the wrath of Mukasura. Muka means dumb in Kannada. This is how she derives her name, Mookambika. It is one of the most powerful temples in the Udupi district and Adi Shankaracharya was its founder.&nbsp;

Location: Kolluru, Byandoor taluk, Udupi
Timings: 5 AM - 9 PM

Seebi Narasimha Swamy temple’s origin abounds with local myths and folklore. It wasn’t established by an emperor to celebrate victory or by a sage. Instead, 3 brothers funded the temple’s construction after having dreams of the god Narasimha. What makes Seebi unique compared to the other Narasimha temple that we have gone through in this article? The mural paintings! The paintings range from diverse topics like Krishna Leela to the stalwarts of the Mysore kings with the founder’s family.

Location: Seebi, Karnataka
Timings: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM

A popular North Karnataka tour always covers Hampi, Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole. One can only say that the UNESCO World Heritage Site has bolstered the popularity of the place with more international travellers. In simple words, Pattadakal is a group of temples and other structures with one-of-a-kind craftsmanship. If you have an eye for detail you are going to relish every moment you spend in this iconic place. It's astonishing how 8th-century architecture combines beauty, skill and religious faith so effortlessly!

Location: Pattadakal, Bagalkot, Karnataka
Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

‘Om’ is not just a two-letter word used in the scriptures, it's divine bliss. In modern times we often play the Om sound during meditations and it can be considered a symbol of Hinduism. So, Omkareshwara means the god of Om. Shiva was a master of many art forms. He is also called Nataraja ( King of dance) for this reason. The Omkareshwara temple in Madikeri brings peace and solitude. It is a symbol of redemption from the sin of committing a heinous crime. Pay a visit to this very unique and pious place when you are in Madikeri.

Location: Madikeri, Karnataka
Timings: 6:30 AM - 12 PM, 5 - 8 PM

The Western Ghats of Karnataka was a perfect abode for monks of Jainism. Since then, temples and monasteries have been centres of spirituality. Kundadri is one such beauty, located close to Agumbe. The temple is dedicated to Parshwanath Tirthankar. He was the 23rd of 24 Tirthankaras of the religion. It is an aesthetic temple adorned with simple carvings of Jain monks. The temple is atop the Kundadri hills and people often hike or camp there. From this vantage point, one can soak in the beauty of evergreen forests and enjoy the sunset.

Location: Kundadri, Shivamogga, Karnataka
Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

It is an ancient temple with exquisite stone and wood carvings of the Hoysala dynasty. The three main shrines - Rameshwara, Parvathi and Veerabhadra are decorated concerning the deity of that particular shrine. The temple still retains its old charm and makes one feel different and comfortable. Every pillar or wall of the temple has a carving or some kind of decoration that reflects Keladi Nayakas passion for art and architecture. The carvings sometimes depict scenes from the country’s history and are not limited to the mythology which makes them very special.&nbsp;

Location: Keladi, Sagara, Shivamogga, Karnataka

It is a Hindu pilgrimage centre of Lord Shiva in the Kadri district of Dakshina Kannada. Since it is the oldest temple in Karnataka, it is presumably that it inspired the art and architecture of the other temples Dharmasthala, Kukke Subramanya and others. The temple has an amalgamation of Hindu and Buddhist religions but was later merged into Hinduism due to the declining influence of the latter. Recreational facilities are available on the temple premises and make for a fun and religious tour of Kadri.

Location: Kadri temple road, Vasanth Vihar, Kadri, Mangaluru, Karnataka
Timings: 5:30 AM - 1 PM, 4 - 8 PM

It is a top-rated religious hotspot in Hubballi in Northern Karnataka. The main attraction of the temple is a 61 feet high statue of the 23rd Tritankara, Parashwanath. It is a modern temple which was constructed in 2005 and is different in its architecture from the older ones like Dharmasthara and Kundadri temple. The other statues stand on round structures resembling 8 planets and are considered auspicious. Acharya Shri Gundhar Nandi Maharaj is remembered for his efforts in the temple’s construction.

Location: Adjacent to Pune Bengaluru Highway, Varur, Hubballi, Karnataka
Timings: Open 24 hours

Bull temple is one of the few historical temples in Bangalore. Kempegowda, the founder of the city, constructed the temple in the 16th century. The main deity is Nandi or a sacred bull who is the vahana of Lord Shiva. Kadalekai Parishe or groundnut fair is held in the vicinity of the temple every year in November. The freshly picked groundnuts are offered to Nandi as farmers seek blessings for good yield. A visit to the temple will surely introduce the aura of old Bangalore.

Location: Bull temple road, NR colony, Basavanagudi
Timings: 6 AM - 8 PM

Devarayanadurga is an ideal weekend tourist destination. Atop the hill lies temples of Yoga Narasimha Swamy and Bhoga Narasimha Swamy. Both the gods are avatars of Lord Vishnu and are worshipped in Southern India. A temple dedicated to Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy lies on the first section of the hill. According to a legend, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana had visited the forest during their exile. The place is a perfect mix of religious fervour and adventurous spirit. What are you waiting for?&nbsp;

Location: Tumkuru, Karnataka
Timings: 10 AM - 5 PM

As the name suggests, Lord Krishna is worshipped in the temple. The devotees get a glimpse of the deity, Balakrishna from a window divided into nine squares known as Navagraha Kindi. The eight mathas of the temple work together in carrying out its everyday functions and celebrate Udupi Paryaya Utsava, a bi-annual festival. It is amongst Karnataka’s most visited temples and a significant community centre. Like other temples in Karnataka, a chariot stands in front of the temple and a pond is also seen.&nbsp;

Location: Udupi, city centre
Timings: 4:30 AM - 9:30 PM

It is a one-of-a-kind Jain temple located in a very secluded coconut plantation. It is a peaceful place away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Interestingly, one can reach the main sanctum of the temple from all 4 directions. So, the temple is known as ‘chaturmukha’ which means four faces. Jain centres in South India are called ‘Basadi’. When you visit the temple, you can also tour Jain temples like Kere Basadi, Padmavati Basadi and the Gomateshwara statue of Karkala.

Location: Market road, Karkala, Udupi, Karnataka
Timings: 10 AM - 2 PM and 4 PM - 5:30 PM

It is the temple of the power goddess Nimishamba who resolves problems in life, especially marriage issues. River Kaveri flows close to the temple, rendering a serene and peaceful atmosphere. It is often visited by locals who seek the blessings of Nimishamba to overcome trials and tribulations. It signifies the role and influences of goddesses in Hindu mythology as Nimishmbha is none other than Parvati, the wife of Vishnu. Sometimes, we need a little courage and strength to move on. A visit to this temple is magical and soothing!&nbsp;

Location: Srirangapatna, Karnataka
Timings: 6:30 AM - 1:30 PM, 4 - 9 PM

It is surreal how a single state in India has so much exuberance and splendour. From the hills of the Western Ghats to the plateaus of Deccan, Karnataka’s richness has no bounds. A visit to any of the temples mentioned in the article, will not only rejuvenate your body and spirit but also helps you think out of the box. The meticulous carvings of Nanjungud or the extraordinary structures in Pattadakal will make you more appreciative of art and life in general.&nbsp;

Tala Kaveri is a special place amidst the Bramhagiri hills. It is the birthplace of River Kaveri, a river in Southern Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. A temple is established to commemorate this auspicious site. The river is worshipped as the mother goddess Kaveramma and sage Agasthya is worshipped as Agasthiswara. According to Hindu mythology, Lopamudra was the wife of Agasthya and the daughter of king Kavera. Due to circumstances, she turned into a river Kaveri. She is more sacred than the Ganga and serves humanity to this day.

Location: Bhagamandala, Kodagu
Timings: 6:00 AM - 8:30 PM

‘Dharma’ means righteousness and ‘sthala’ means place. So, the shrine upholds justice and universal laws like honesty, integrity and equality. It is one of the finest examples of cultural amalgamation in a religious setting. The administrative affairs of the temple are managed by a Jain family known as ‘Heggades’. The current administrator is Veerendra Heggade who is known for spearheading many social welfare programmes. Apart from this, the temple is in the lap of nature. It makes for an amazing ride on the winding roads of the Western Ghats.

Location: Belthangady taluk, Dakshina Kannada
Timings: 6:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM

It is a world-famous Jain pilgrimage centre in Karnataka. The 18m high statue of Gomateshwara is jaw-dropping. Monolithic means the structure is carved out of a single block of stone and this statue is of granite. Small temples of all the Tirthankaras surround the temple. It is situated on the Vindhyagiri hills and 700 steps lead to the statue. Bahubali is the son of the first Tirtankara of Jainism, Rishabhdev. Since he meditated while standing, all the statues of Bahubali around India are in this position with plants winding around his thighs and hands.

Location: Near Channarayapatna taluk, Hassan district
Timings: 6:30 AM - 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Sringeri is one of the major temples frequently visited by locals. Goddess Saraswati is the main deity bestowing wisdom and intelligence. The exquisitely carved gopuram and temple walls of the Vidya Shankara temple are bewitching. Like most temples in Karnataka, it has a large compound where devotees relax and spend time. On the banks of Tunga, it is a peaceful place amid the Malenadu hills. The temple is associated with the Advaita philosophy by Adi Shankaracharya. Advaita philosophy refers to the Upanishads and believes in the non-duality of self.&nbsp;

Location: Sringeri, Malenadu, Chikkamagaluru
Timings: 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Kukke Subramanya is a Hindu temple of Subramanya, the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. The Bramhagiri hills backdrop the temple and the Kumaradhara river flows in its vicinity. The temple is sacred as it performs various rituals to solve sarpa doshas. Adi subramanya temple is located next to the main temple. Kukke Subramanya temple allows devotees from all castes and religions. It is a significant temple as Hindus believe it resolves all troubles in marriage, childbirth, education, and career.&nbsp;

Location: Subramanya post, Kadaba taluk, Dakshina Kannada
Timings: 5:00 AM - 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Yet another architectural masterpiece in Dakshina Kannada, it is dedicated to Jain Tirthankara Chandraprabha. He is the eighth Tirtankara of Jainism. The pillars of the temple are just marvellous and symbols and stories of Jainism are carved on them. It can also be a part of an educational tour due to its historical significance. It is a testimony to the intellectual ingenuity of engineers and sculptors of the 15th century. What are you waiting for? Take a trip to Moodabidir popularly known as ‘Jain Varanasi’ of South India this summer.

Location: Moodabidri, Dakshina Kannada
Timings: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM

30 Most Famous Temples in Karnataka

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