List Of the famous temples in Karnataka

South India is known for being home to the majority of the temples in the country. Being home to several ancient Temples, Karnataka is the ultimate destination for Temple tours. It is simply amazing how one State can be home to many Temples belonging to different dynasties. Known for their religious beliefs, historical significance, and architectural grandeur, Karnataka Temples are a must-visit for every spiritual soul and history buff. One of the main attractions of the state is definitely its temples, as they are not just sacred places of worship but are also steeped in the country’s history, heritage, and traditions. Plus, most of these temples are ancient architectural wonders. Apart from the Top Multinational companies and industries, the city boasts several traditional temples that grab a large number of visitors the city.No matter where you go in the country, you will come across a small or big temple on almost every nook and corner. As far as South India is concerned, this part of the country is extremely popular for its plethora of temples. Karnataka is one such state in South India that boasts of being home to many well-known significant temples. If you are a truly spiritual person or are looking forward to a religious vocation exploring different temples of South India, then visiting Karnataka state is going to be a great idea. Take a look at the list of the most famous temples in Karnataka that you ought to visit on your blissful getaway!

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi
Kollur Mookambika Temple, Kollur
Sri Krishna Temple, Udupi
Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna
Kukke Subramanya temple, Sullia Taluk
Mallikarjuna Temple, Pattadakal
Chennakeshava Temple, Belur
Virupaksha Temple, Hampi- Located in the heart of Hampi, the Virupaksha Temple is a Hindu religious structure dedicated to Virupaksha, an avatar of Lord Shiva. The 50 meters tall gate is well constructed and incorporates some previously built structures. It is made of bricks with a stone base and takes you to the outer court that contains several small shrines.
Kollur Mookambika Temple, Kollur- Located in Kollur which is at a distance of 130 km from Managaluru or Mangalore, the Mookambika temple is one of the most famous temples in India. The temple is built among the hills of Kodachadri in the western ghats. It is believed that the temple was built at least 1200 years ago. The legend behind the temple is that goddess Parvati killed a demon named Kamasutra who was harassing the people of the region. The goddess first made him dumb or book, but as he would not relent even then, the demon was killed. The people started worshiping the goddess on the spot, and eventually, a temple was built there. The temple is believed to be 1200 years old. Still, the Kollur Mookambika temple is a popular choice of tourist attraction as a sacred pilgrimage. There is an interesting story behind the temple the goddess Parvathi, the head of this temple killed Kamasutra and hence got the name Mookambika. Although there is not much clarity about the origin of this temple, it dates back almost 1200 years. The temple is dedicated to a Hindu Goddess called Mookambika Devi. The man behind the architecture of this temple is King Halugallu Veera Sangayya, who also installed an idol in the temple.
Sri Krishna Temple, Udupi- A temple known as Udupi Anantheshwara Temple surrounds the Shree Krishna Matha. This temple traces back 1,000 years. The Vaishnavite Jagadguru and founder of the Dvaita school of Vedanta, Shri Madhwacharya founded this religious shrine in the 13th century. Thousands of devotees visit the temple from different parts of the country all year round. Resembling a holy ashram, the temple is known globally for its religious customs, and traditions, and is the upholder of Tatvavaada philosophy or Dvaita. It is also the hub of Dasa Sahitya. Legend has it that the famous architect, Vishwakarma made an idol of Lord Krishna, which was later discovered by Madhwacharya. One day while the saint was performing his daily morning prayer on the shore of Malpe beach, he was made aware that a ship sailing in the sea was in danger due to inclement weather. Shree Madhwacharya, with his divine powers, saved the ship from sinking and recovered the idol of Krishna covered in clay or a ball of gopichandana. Considered to be one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in South India, the Krishna Temple or the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha is one of the most auspicious temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. The idol of Krishna is adorned with jewels and a golden chariot. What makes the temple unique, is its worshipping pattern. The prayers and process of the whole worship take place only through a silver-plated window with nine holes called the Navagraha Kitiki.
Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna- Mahabaleshwar temple was developed by a devotee of Lord Shiva. The main god of the temple is Lord Shiva who has a special name called Dakshni kasha. It is not surprising that the temple is believed to have wonderful powers. Also called Dakshina Kashi, Mahabaleshwar Temple never fails to lure travelers with its remarkable charm. Lord Shiva is the main deity worshipped in this temple. Surprising as it may sound, Mahabaleshwar Temple is believed to be a storehouse of miraculous powers. Make sure you bring a high-definition camera along to capture fascinating sights inside the temple so that you can return home with wonderful memories.
Kukke Subramanya temple, Sullia Taluk- Located in Sullia Taluk in South Kannada District, the Kukke Subramanya temple is surrounded by amazing natural surroundings with rivers, hills, and forests. Dedicated to lord Subramanya or the lord of Serpents or lord Kartikeya, the son of lord Shiva, the temple is one of the most revered temples in India. It is said that Vasuki, the serpent god, and other snakes sought the help of lord Kartikeya to protect them from Garuda and the lord took them under his refuge and that was why he was called Subramanya.
Mallikarjuna Temple, Pattadakal-Mallikarjuna Temple at Pattadakal is part of the Pattadakal group of heritage monuments and an important tourist place in Karnataka. Pattadakal has a list of historical temples such as Sangameshwara Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, and Kashi Vishwanatha Temple. Some of the famous carvings in Mallikarjuna Temple include Mahishasuramardhini chasing a demon, Gurukula, scenes from Mahabharata and Ramayana Wars, scenes from Yashodhara Charitha, Royal Lady, Kama and Vasantha, Monkey and the wedge, Monkey, and crocodile, Elephant carrying a log and attractive dwarapalakas. The maha mandapa has sculptures of elephants supporting the ceiling. Important events from Puranas and epics had been carved on pillars of the sabha mandapa. Nandi mandapa is another attractive feature of the Mallikarjuna Temple, which epitomizes the beautiful architectural style of ancient times. Its basement is embellished with intricate carvings of elephants, horses, and other animals.
Chennakeshava Temple, Belur-Chennakeshava Temple at Belur is the most favored tourist destination in Karnataka state and one of the heritage temples in India. The temple was built after the land’s best architects and artists were recruited and engaged in producing new designs and styles that would be the hallmark of the complex. Visitors who are keen to study the details of the wall sculptures at the Temple will find many references and depictions of important events from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. Careful observation would reveal subtle pieces of eroticism hidden amidst the detailed depictions. Animals that commonly feature in the wall sculptures include horses, elephants, and lions. The temple courtyard comprises several temples and minor shrines inside a walled compound. The entrance is from the east through a seven-story Gopuram. The bottom part of the Gopuram is made of hard stone while the top is made of brick and mortar and is richly decorated.