List of Famous Temples in Karnataka: Most Powerful Temples, Shiva Temples

Famous Temples in Karnataka include Udupi Srikrishna Temple, Murudeshwar Shiva Temple, Chennakeshava Temple, etc. The temples in Karnataka display stunning architecture, full of spiritual motifs and more. There are hundreds of famous temples in Karnataka, some of which are just worth visiting once in your lifetime.

Many people do temple tours in Karnataka to get in touch with the state’s heritage, and religious history. Learn more about the famous temples in Karnataka, their architecture, significance, and the rich history behind them.

Famous Temples in Karnataka

There are several famous temples in Karnataka that are visited by pilgrims and devotees all year round. The holy shrines in the state of Karnataka have a rich history and some of them were built centuries ago. Here is some more information about the temples in Karnataka.

• People from all parts of the country come to visit the Karnataka temples to marvel at their architecture as well as their spiritual history.
• A defining factor of the famous temples in Karnataka is their rock-cut architecture, which makes them worth visiting.

List of Famous Temples in Karnataka

Thousands of religious Hindus visit the temples in Karnataka every year to seek the blessings of the gods. Many architecture enthusiasts also visit the famous temples in Karnataka to observe the historical architecture that dates back centuries ago. Here, we have shared a list of some of the Karnataka temples.

Temples in Karnataka: Details

There are many famous temples in Karnataka that you should visit once in a lifetime to get a one-of-its-kind spiritual experience. Check out the details about some of the temples in Karnataka below.

Udupi Srikrishna Temple

• The ancient Udupi Srikrishna Temple is located in Udupi, Karnataka.
• This is one of the most famous temples in Karnataka and is best known for being a holy site for Lord Krishna devotees.
• There’s a monastery in Udupi Srikrishna Temple that dates back to the 13th century and is among the primary attractions.

Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple

• Located in Gokarna, Karnataka, the Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple is considered one of the holiest Shiva shrines in the region.
• This Karnataka temple is also referred to as Dakshin Kashi and finds its mention in the ancient Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• People from all over the country visit this famous temple in Karnataka.

Durga Gudi Temple

• The Durga Gudi temple is an architectural marvel and is one of Karnataka famous temples.
• Located in the village of Aihole, the Durga Gudi temple is visited by thousands of devotees every year. Moreover, Aihole is home to around 125 Hindu temples.
• The Durga Gudi temple is one of the temples in Karnataka with iconic rock-cut architecture.
• For people with an interest in architecture, the Durga Gudi temple is a must-visit.

Virupaksha Temple

• The stunning Virupaksha Temple in Hampi is among the most famous temples in Karnataka.
• This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a significant pilgrimage site in Karnataka.
• Every year in February, the marriage ceremony of Virupaksha and Pampa Devi takes place at the Virupaksha temple.
• Therefore, February is the best time to visit this temple in Karnataka.

Chennakeshava Temple

• The Chennakeshava temple is the most visited Karnataka temple. Located in Belur, this temple is a sight to behold.
• This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishu, who is worshiped in the form of Lord Chennakeshava here.
• The construction of this famous temple in Karnataka dates back to the 12th century.
• The architecture and wall engravings in the Chennakeshava temple depict the life of the people under the reign of King Vishnuvardha.

Famous Shiva Temple in Karnataka

There are some of the most iconic and holy Shiva temples in Karnataka, which are visited by Shiva devotees all year round. These temples have a distinct architectural grandeur. Some of the famous Shiva temples in Karnataka are as follows.

• Murudeshwar Shiva Temple: This temple is located in Bhatkal and is known for being the 123 feet tall, second-largest Shiva idol in the world. The Murudeshwar Shiva temple in Karnataka is also most frequently visited because of its breathtaking surroundings.
• Kotilingeshwara Temple: This iconic temple has the tallest and largest Shiva Lingam in Asia. Shiva devotees from every corner of the country visit this Karnataka temple to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
• Mallikarjuna Temple: This temple is located in Pattadakal, Karnataka, and dates back to the 7th and 8th centuries. The Mallikarjuna temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

FAQs on Temples in Karnataka

Q1. Which is the most famous temple in Karnataka?

Some of the most famous temples in Karnataka are the Udupi Srikrishna Temple, Durga Gudi Temple, Murudeshwar Shiva Temple, Kotilingeshwara Temple, Chennakeshava Temple, Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, etc.

Q2. Which is the largest temple in Karnataka?

The largest temple in Karnataka is Sri Veeranarayana Temple. Located in Belavadi, Sri Veeranayana Temple is a historical monument that was built around 1200 CE. This temple is a three-shrine temple that was built with soapstone.

Q3. What is the name of the oldest temple in Karnataka?

One of the oldest temples in Karnataka is Madhukeshwara Temple. Located in Banavasi, in the Uttara Kannada district, the Madhukeshwara temple is known for once being home to the Kannada poet Pampa. People come from all parts of the country to witness the beauty of this temple in Karnataka.

Q4. Which are the special temples in Karnataka?

There are many famous temples in Karnataka, known for their history and architecture. Some of the most iconic temples in Karnataka are listed below.

• Murudeshwar Shiva Temple
• Udupi Srikrishna Temple
• Chennakeshava Temple

Q5. Which are the 5 Shiva temples in Karnataka?

There are many famous Shiva temples in Karnataka, some of them are listed below.

• Kotilingeshwara Temple
• Mallikarjuna Temple
• Kotilingeshwara Temple
• Virupaksha Temple
• Murdeshwar Temple