Karnataka is a state in South India. Tourists and devotees from all parts of the world throng to various temples that are spread across the state.
Here is a brief overview of popular temples in Karnataka.
Kollur Mookambika Temple
Located in Kollur in Udupi district, at the foot of Western Ghats, this ancient Hindu temple is dedicated to Mookambika, the supreme mother. The temple is believed to be created by Parashurama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu.
All the three forms of the goddess are worshipped here. She is worshipped as Maha Kali (goddess of power) in the morning, Maha Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) in the noon and Maha Saraswati (goddess of knowledge) in the evening.
In this temple Mookambika is in the form of Jyotir-Linga, which combines both Shakti and Shiva. The temple is well-known for its beauty and aesthetics. Mangaluru Airport is the nearest airport to the temple. You can reach the temple by cab or KSRTC bus.
Kollur Mookambika Temple Sevas
Seva | Price (in ₹) |
|---|---|
Lalki Uthsava | 500 |
Veerabhadra Alakara Pooja | 40 |
Mookambika Alankara pooja | 75 |
Kollur Mookambika Temple Timings
Bahubali Gomateshwara Temple
Located in Shravanabelagola, this temple is well-known for the 59 ft high Gommateshwara statue made of granite. Gommateshwara (who was also known as Bahubali) was the son of Adinath, the first tirthankara of Jainism.
This statue is a monolith. It was made in 10th century CE. It is on a hill named Vindhyagiri. Around 620 steps provide access to this temple from the bottom of the hill.
A marble statue of Chandra Natha Theerthankara is placed in an enclosure within the same complex of Gomateswara Temple. It is a pilgrimage centre for Jains.
Mahamastakabhisheka festival is held here once in 12 years. During the festival, the statue is anointed with milk, saffron, ghee, etc.
Shravanabelagola is in Hassan district. Kempegowda International Airport is the nearest international airport. It is well-connected by road. You can reach the town by KSRTC bus or cab.
Shravanabelagola Mahamastakabhisheka
Vitthala Temple
Located in Hampi, on the southern bank of River Tungabhadra, this temple is an ornate structure.
Itis dedicated to Vittala, a form of Lord Vishnu. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is well-known for its excellent architecture.
The highlights of Vittala Temple are its pillars and the stone chariot. Actually this beautiful temple was never finished or consecrated, yet the temple’s incredible sculptural work remains the pinnacle of Vijayanagar art.
Sri Srikanteshwaraswamy Temple
Located in Nanjangud, this temple is the largest temple in Karnataka. Located on the banks of River Kapila, this temple covers an area of around 50,000 square feet.
The Shiva Linga in the temple is believed to be installed by the sage Gauthama. Due to the presence of this temple, Nanjangud is known as Dakshina Kashi or Varanasi of South India. It is a popular pilgrimage center for Hindus.
Nanjangud Temple Distance from Bangalore
170 kilometers.
Mahabaleshwar Temple
Located in Gokarna, this temple was built in 4th century CE. It is on the shores of the Arabian Sea. This granite temple is in Dravidian architecture.
AShiva Linga known as the Atmalinga is worshipped in this Mahabaleshwar temple. This Shaiva pilgrimage centre is as important as Kashi and Rameshwara pilgrimage centers for Hindus.
Mahabaleshwar Temple Images
ISKCON Temple Bangalore
Located in Rajaji Nagar, Bengaluru, this temple is actually a beautiful, well-organized, cultural complex. It houses deities of Radha and Krishna and also has five other shrines.
This temple is an excellent example of Hindu temple architecture or to be more precise neo - classical style of architecture. The 56-ft-tall gold-plated dhwaja-stambha and the 28-ft-tall gold plated kalash shikara are among the main features of the temple.
The temple is embellished with the most exquisite style of stone carvings. The Rajagopuram has splendid archways . Fountains welcome you into the temple as you enter. I cherish my visits to this temple.
The temple is around 33 kilometers from Kempegowda International Airport. It is well-connected to the rest of the city through various modes of transport, including buses, cabs, auto rickshaws and metro.
ISKCON Temple Metro
It will take less than 10 minutes to walk from Mahalakshmi metro station to the temple.
Dodda Ganeshana Gudi
This Ganesha temple is located in Bengaluru. Dodda is a Kannada word which means big. The Ganesha idol in the sanctum sanctorum is 5.5 meters tall and 4.9 meters wide. This temple was built by Kempe Gowda I, the founder of Bengaluru.
It was a boulder like many others found in this locality. It was shaped like a Ganesha. So people started worshipping it.
— Venugopal, priestVarapada Sree Venkateshwara Temple
Located on a hillock known as Devagiri in Bengaluru, this clean temple is dedicated to Lord Balaji.
The image of the diety at this magnificent temple is similar to the one at Tirumala.
The presiding deity is accompanied by Lord Ganesh to his right and Goddess Padmavathi to his left.
There are separate shrines for Navagrahas and Lord Hanuman in the temple complex.
Devagiri Temple Timing
Opening | Closing |
|---|---|
6.00 am | 12.00 pm |
5.30 pm | 8.30 pm |
Manjunatheshwara Temple
Manjunatheshwara, the chief deity of this temple, has taken the form of a shivalinga. It is located in Dharmasthala, the land of righteousness and piety.
The temple houses the shrine of Shiva, Manjunatha, Ammanavaru, Chandranath and the Dharma Daivas (guardian spirits of Dharma) — Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumaraswamy and Kanyakumari.
The temple is considered unique because it belongs to the Shaiva sect of Hinduism; the priests are Madhwa Brahmins, who are Vaishnava; and the administration is run by a Jain Bunt family known as the Pergades.
Kedareshvara Temple
Located in Balligavi, this temple is an excellent example of a trikuta temple in transitional Western Chalukya - Hoysala architecture.
The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Etiquette
- Respect local culture and tradition.
- Never wear shorts.
- Take your shoes off before entering the temple.
- Ask permission before taking pictures.
- Fold your hands in a respectful Namaste while entering the inner sanctum.
- Accept Prasad with your right hand.
