There are umpteen spiritual destinations in Karnataka. Ranging from Bangalore’s Kote Venkataramana temple to Sigandoor Chowdeshwari, you get a sort of positive vibe whenever you visit all these religious places. Karnataka, being an iconic State, of various spiritual divinity, you will surely have a great time, exploring these shrines. Amidst the greenery, across the pristine lakes/rivers/sea, atop the hill, inside a cave, etc… you will find splendid pilgrimages, in this State. Hence, let’s explore the spiritual side of some, enchanting places…
Sri Gavi Gangadareshwara temple
One of the renowned, and ancient temples, in Bangalore, this shrine is a cave temple of Lord Shiva. This temple is said to have been built by Maharishi Gautama, and Bharadwaja Muni, in the Vedic epoch. In the 16th century AD, this archaic shrine got renovated by Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bangalore, after being released from the captives of Rama Raya. Famous for its architectural wonder, this shrine attracts lots, of devotees.
Kote Venkataramana temple
One of the most age-old temples, of Bangalore, this temple is an abode of Lord Venkateshwara, i.e. Lord Vishnu. Located in Krishnarajendra Road, this shrine was constructed by the, then Mysore ruler, Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar, in 1689. This religious place is a 17th-century one, that followed the Dravidian, and Vijayanagara, style of architecture. As this temple is, situated in the vicinity, of the Old Fort.
Chamundeshwari temple
Goddess Chamundeshwari temple, is the most renowned shrines, situated in Mysore. This temple is not, only famous in India but, also abroad. Nestled on the pinnacle of Chamundi Hill, this temple is located 13kms, from the city of Mysore. Goddess Chamundeshwari or Goddess Durga Devi, is the Kula Devatha or tutelary deity, of the Maharajas of Mysore, and the presiding divinity or the Naada Devi of Mysore.
Goravanahalli Mahalakshmi Temple
Goravanahalli Mahalakshmi Temple, is one of the acclaimed temples, in Goravanahalli village of Tumkur district. Abode, of Goddess Mahalakshmi Devi, this temple consists of other, deities like Goddess Marikamba and Manchala Nagappa, the snake God in Goravanahalli. Enveloped by lush greenery around this shrine, makes it one of the most resplendent temples, in the whole of Karnataka. There is also, a reservoir called Teetha, in the vicinity of this, temple. Usually, the devotees after seeking the blessings of the Goddess, visit even this, reservoir, as a sight-seeing spot. Theetha reservoir is constructed for the Suvarnamukhi river.
Sri Lakshmi Beteraya temple
Abode of, Lord Goddess Lakshmi Devi, and Lord Vishnu, this temple was built by, the ruler Mahanandanayaka Somanna of Vijayanagara, in the 15th century, BC. This temple has, intricate mandapas, and is considered to be, a famous shrine of Lord Vishnu, in Karnataka. According to a very well-known source, the significance of the temple is, that the disciples visit this holy place, to seek the blessings of the Lord to attain freedom, from all kinds of ailments and diseases, for gaining wealth, courage, as well as protect them from evil eyes. Whenever a devotee visits, this temple that person, is sure to get positive vibes, and peace of mind.
Sri Lakshmikantha Swamy temple
Located, in a small village known as, Hedethale in the town of Nanjangud, this magnificent temple is an abode of Lord Vishnu. Established by the Hoysala King, Vishnuvardhana, in the 12th century, this temple has huge premises and is, one of the best temples for, disciples seeking tranquility. Inside this temple, you can find, the idol of the main deity, Sri Lakshmikantha Swamy, along with idols of Lord Narasimha Swamy, Lord Venugopala Swamy, and a captivating idol, of Goddess Andal Devi. The specialty of this idol is, though it looks like a normal idol in the light, during pooja and archana time, all the lights are switched off.
Mukthi Naga temple
Mukthi Naga temple, is situated in the Bangalore Rural region. Located in, Ramohalli, it takes just 18kms from, Bangalore bus stand to reach, here. Abode of Serpent God, this temple is referred to as “Junjappana Bayalu.” or Junjappa’s field, by the residents of this region. This pilgrim place, which is a bona fide domicile, of serpents, is like a haven of peace and serenity to the disciples who, visit this shrine. The Poojas offered, in this temple are Nagaraprathishte Pooja, Sarpa Samskara, and Ashlesha Bali Pooja. The founder of the Mukthi Naga temple was, Sri Daivagna Subrahmanya Shastri Guruji.
Sri Shakambari Shakthipetham
Situated, in Bagalkot district’s Cholachagudd, near Badami, this shrine is one of the renowned, Devi temples in Karnataka. Just 16 minutes from Badami, this religious place is well-known for its exquisite Dravidian and Nagara, style of architecture. Banashankari Jatre, held in January is a famed event celebrated, in this, temple. Devotees from not only Karnataka but, even from the neighboring States, visit this temple to partake in the festivities and show, their devotion towards the Goddess Banashankari Devi. Rahukala pooja is a special pooja done, in this temple. According to a belief, performing this pooja for 16-weeks will bring, good luck.
Kumaraswamy Temple
Kumaraswamy Temple, is a renowned pilgrim place, situated 10kms from Sandur town, of Bellari district. Nestled, on the zenith of Krauncha Giri mountain, in Swamimalai forest, this temple is said to have been, the first-ever shrine dedicated to, Lord Subrahmanyeshwara Swamy, in South India. This 1000yr old temple dates back to, the 8th or 10th century, and was established during the reign, of the Rashtrakutas. Famous for its artistic architecture, this temple is quite large and houses, the shrines of Goddess Parvathi Devi, and Lord Kumaraswamy. You can visit this temple, every season. The annual festivities, of Kumaraswamy temple, are held every year, in November.
Saundatti Yellamma Temple, is one of the captivating temples in Karnataka. Abode of, Goddess Renuka Yellamma Devi, this temple is situated at, a distance of 70kms from, Belgaum. Nestled on the pinnacle, of a colossal mountain at 5kms, from the city, this temple was built, in Chalukyan, Rashtrakuta, and Jain style, of architecture. Established by Bommappa Naik, of Raybag in 1514, the mountain on which, this temple is located, was known as Siddhachal Parvat.
Sri Chamaraja temple ~ Chamarajanagara
This religious place, situated in the Chamarajanagara district.
Established by the Mysore Emperor Sri Krishnaja Wodeyar Bahaddur III, this pilgrim place dates back to the 10th century (1826). The Emperor not only renamed the birthplace of his dear Father Sri Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar, as Chamarajanagara but also built Lord Chamarajeshwara temple, along with Goddess Kempananjamba Devi temple
Sri Narashima Jharni ~ Bidar
Narasimha Jharni, is a small temple situated in the North-Karnataka hill ranges of Manichoola, in the district of Bidar. Also, well-known as Narasimha Jharni cave temple, it is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu. Placed in a 300-meter tunnel, this age-old temple takes just 4.8kms, from the city to reach. The temple is famous for its natural beauty and is considered very sacred.
Rangsthala Temple ~ Chikkaballapura
Rangasthala temple, or eminently called “The Temple of Sri Moksha Ranganatha,” is situated in the district of Chikkaballapur, in Karnataka. This shrine dates back to the Hoysala period and was later renovated by the disciples. Sri Moksha Ranganatha or Lord Vishnu is the presiding deity of this ancient temple. Camouflaged amidst the mountain range of Nandi Hills, you can find this temple.
Sri Sharada Peetham ~ Sringeri
Shringeri Sharada Peetham, is an ancient pilgrim place, established by the philosopher Saint, Sri Adi Shankaracharya, in the 8th-century AD. Sri Adi Shankaracharya was the preacher of Advaita philosophy. Situated, on the banks of River Tunga, this religious place attracts hundreds of devotees. Shringeri Mutt is an ancient picturesque temple, enveloped by lush greenery. Sringeri Mutt is the first, amongst the four Amnaya Peethas, which means the throne of the Vedas, established over twelve centuries ago in honor of the sacred traditions of Sanatana Dharma. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, who is the Goddess of Knowledge.
Hidimbeshwar temple ~ Chitradurga
Hidembeshwar temple is one of the renowned temples, situated inside the Fort, of Chitradurga. This shrine has mythological significance and dates back to the time of Mahabharata. As per the legend, a rakshasi or a female demon called Hidimbi lived in one of the caves in Chitradurga. She lived with her elder brother, a gruesome demon Hidimba. They both were terrorizing people or the travelers, who passed in that area, by killing them, and eating their flesh. During the time of exile, Pandavas with their mother Kunthi Devi, happen to pass in that direction, and instantly get attacked by Hidimba. Hence, to protect his brothers and mother, Bhima the second amongst the Pandava.
Sri Manjunatha Swamy temple ~ Dharmasthala
Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple, is one of the iconic pilgrimages in Dakshina Kannada district. Nestled on the banks of the river Netravati, in Belthangady Taluk, this is an abode of Sri Manjunatha Swamy or Lord Shiva temple. As per a local legend, the Shivalinga, which is installed in Dharmasthala, was brought by a local person called Annappa. He had tremendous powers. He worked for the Heggade family. One day, when the Heggade family head urged to worship Lord Shiva, Annappa had assured him to get one, Linga, and vanished from the sight. The next day, to everyone’s surprise, he had already established the Linga in Dharmasthala.
Sri Anjaneya Temple
Sri Anjaneya Swamy temple, is one of the acclaimed shrines in the Shamanur village, near Davanagere district. Lord Anjaneya or Hanuman is the presiding deity of this temple. This temple was established 800yrs ago, by Vyasaraja Swamy. In the year 2000, this temple got renovated, as per the Dravidian style of architecture, and was re-inaugurated on 11th March 2000. The main idol, of Lord Anjaneya Swamy, in the sanctum sanctorum, is 6ft tall and is the main deity of Shamanur village.
Veeranarayana temple
Is one of the oldest shrines in the district of Gadag. This age-old religious place dates back to 1117 AD and was built by the Hoysala King Vishnuvarshana. The main deity here is Lord Veeranarayana/Bhagwan Vishnu. The Veeranarayana temple is a preserved monument under the Karnataka state division, of the Archaeological Survey of India. As per a legend, King Vishnuvardhana, originally known as Bitti Deva was very much influenced by Saint Ramanujacharya.
Hasanamba temple
Goddess Hasanamba Devi temple is situated in the district of Hassan district. This shrine dates back to the 12th century and is dedicated to Goddess Shakti or Amba. The uniqueness of this temple is that tourists are allowed to enter this temple, only once a year during the time of the Deepavali festival, held in October. Devotees visit the temple to seek blessings of the Goddess during this week
Nagareshwara temple
Nagareshvara temple is one of the age-old temples, located in Bankapura, of Haveri district. This temple dates back to the 12th century and is structured in the style of Western Chalukya or Kalyani Chalukya architecture. Nagareshvara temple is renowned for its beautifully engraved 60 pillars and is called “Aravattu Kambada Gudi.” or the temple with 60 pillars. Except for the four pillars in Blackstone, all the others have been carved out of dark grey stone. The plain surfaces are well polished to reflect light.
Sharana basaveshwara temple
Sharana Basaveshwara temple, is an ancient shrine situated in Kalburgi (Gulbarga) district, North-East Karnataka. This temple is dedicated to a renowned 12th century Lingayat Saint Sri Sharana Basaveshwara. He was an acclaimed religious teacher and philosopher, who was known for his Dasoha i.e, giving is earning, and Kayak i.e, an advancement of the Karma doctrine – “You have the right to perform the work assigned to you. You have no right to ‘demand’ the fruits of your labor.
Talacauvery temple
Talacauvery temple is one of the magnificent shrines, in the Bhagamandala town, placed in the district of Kodagu (Coorg). Situated on the zenith, of Brahmagiri Hill, at an altitude of 4,186.35ft, above sea level, the Talacauvery temple is nestled, amidst lush greenery and proffers panoramic, scenic beauty. An ideal vacation spot, Bhagamandala is a place where three rivers meet and is well-known as Triveni Sangama. Talacauvery temple is also called Dakshina Kashi.
Mahadeva temple
Mahadeva temple, is situated in the town of Itagi, in Koppal district. This temple dates back to 1112 AD and was built by Mahadeva, a commander in the army of the Western Chalukya King, Vikramaditya VI. The Mahadeva Temple was constructed based on the general plan of the Amrutheshwara Temple, at Annigeri. The preceding deity, of this temple, is Lord Shiva. The sculptures, the carvings on the walls, the pillars, and the towers, in this temple are designed, in the style of Western, Chalukyan architecture.
Yoga Narasimha Swamy temple
Melukote Yoga Narasimha temple, is one of the quintessential pilgrimages, in Pandavapura taluk’s Melukote town, of the Mandya district. Melukote is located, 51kms from Mysore and 133kms from Bangalore. Yoga Narasimha temple is nestled on the hill, amidst picturesque landscapes. It is believed that the statue of Lord Yoga Narasimha, was installed by Prahlada himself. He was the son of a demon king, Hiranyakashipu, who was killed by Lord Narasimha, for his misdeeds.
Markandeshwara temple
Markandeshwara Temple - Situated in the Raichur district, Markandeshwara temple is a renowned ancient temple in Karnataka. According to a legend, King Krishnadevaraya, of the Vijayanagara Empire, along with his family used to visit 6 different temples in Raichur regularly. Amongst those, the Markandeshwara temple is one of them. This temple is said to have been named after Maharishi Markandeya. He was a very famous devotee of Lord Shiva. Markandeshwara temple, a century-old age-old monument.
Sri Ramadevera betta
Ramadevara Betta is one of the renowned places to visit in the District of Ramanagara. Scaling at a height of 3000 feet above ground level, this hillock offers a spectacular view of beautiful nature. Nestled amidst the lush green shrubs, it is an ideal location for trekkers/hikers and an apt place for weekend getaways. .
Sri Sigandor Chowdeshwari temple
Sigandur Chowdeshwari temple is located at 40kms from Sagar city, 140kms from Shimoga, and 500kms from Bangalore. One of the renowned places to worship in South India, this Shri Kshetra was built in the 18th century. It is situated on the banks of the Sharavathi River. To reach this ancient temple.
Lord Narashimha swamy temple
Lord Narasimha temple is one of the acclaimed shrines, Karwar. This captivating temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is situated on the pinnacles of a hill in Kurumgad. Thousands of devotees visit this shrine, throughout the year. Jatra/Festivity of this holy place is celebrated very grandly,
Sri Krishna temple ~ Udupi
Sri Krishna temple, is one of the acclaimed Hindu temples in the Udupi district. Abode of Lord Vishnu, this Krishna Mutt, was founded by the Sri Vaishnava Saint, Jagadguru Sri Madhvacharya, in the 13th century. He was the founder of the Dvaita school of Vedanta. It is believed that Madhwacharya found the vigraha of Shri Krishna in a huge ball of Gopi Chandana. As mentioned by Sri Madhvacharya, in his Tantrasara Sangraha, the Vigraha of Lord Sri Krishna is placed in, Pashchim Abhimukham i.e. facing west. All the other Vigrahas, in other Ashta Mutts, face west as well.
Yalaguru Anjaneya Swamy temple
Yalaguru Anjaneya (Hanuman) temple, is situated in a village called Yalagur, in the district of Bijapur. An age-old temple, this pilgrim place is a perfect, weekend getaway from Bangalore. Well-known as the Yalagurappa temple, this shrine is nestled on the banks of the river Krishna. Placed, amidst lush green foliage, captivating landscapes, and a lake flowing by the side of the temple, makes it one of the marvelous holy places to visit. According to a legend, it is being said that Lord Rama along with Sita Devi and Lakshmana, lived in this place, during Aranya Kanda, of Ramayana.
Sri Myalari Lingeshwara temple
Sri Mylara Lingeshwara temple, is situated about 18kms from the Yadgir district. Located, in the midst of lush greenery, this temple is visited by hundreds of devotees daily. Nestled on a hillock, the huge boulders, and caves, in the vicinity of this temple, is an ideal trekking destination, for ardent trekkers. You can find an utsava murthy of Sri Turanga Balamma, inside a cave.
To reach this temple of the main deity, you need to climb a lot of steps to have the darshan of Lord Mylara Lingeshwara.
This temple is inside a cave.
