Karnataka, a state in southern India, is renowned for its
rich cultural heritage and is home to numerous Hindu temples that attract
pilgrims from all over the world. Here's a list of 21 prominent Hindu temples
in Karnataka that are popular for pilgrimage:
Murudeshwara Temple: Famous for its towering statue of Lord
Shiva, this temple is located in the town of Murudeshwara in Uttara Kannada
district.
Kollur Mookambika Temple: Situated in the foothills of the
Western Ghats, this temple dedicated to Goddess Mookambika is in Kollur, Udupi
district.
Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple: Located in the coastal town of
Gokarna, this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is known for its serene
surroundings.
Kukke Subramanya Temple: Situated in Subramanya in the
Western Ghats, this temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya, the serpent god.
Udupi Sri Krishna Temple: A renowned temple dedicated to
Lord Krishna, located in the town of Udupi.
Kadri Manjunath Temple and Mangaladevi Temple: One of the
most famous Hindu temples in Mangalore is the Kadri Manjunath Temple. Situated
atop the Kadri Hills, it is dedicated to Lord Manjunatha, a form of Lord Shiva.
This temple is believed to be one of the oldest in the region, dating back to
the 10th or 11th century. Another notable Hindu temple in Mangalore is the
Mangaladevi Temple. It is dedicated to Goddess Mangaladevi, from whom the city
of Mangalore derives its name. The temple is believed to have been built in the
9th century and is an important pilgrimage site for devotees, especially during
the Navaratri festival.
Sringeri Sharada Peetham: This temple complex in Sringeri is
dedicated to Goddess Sharada, the presiding deity of the Sringeri Sharada
Peetham.
Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple: Located in the Chikmagalur
district, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Annapoorneshwari, the goddess of
food and nourishment.
Koti Lingeshwara Temple: Situated in Kolar, this temple is
famous for its thousands of Lingas (Shiva Lingams) spread across the premises.
Dharmasthala Temple - Dharmasthala Temple is a renowned
Hindu temple located in the town of Dharmasthala in Karnataka, India. It's
dedicated to Lord Shiva and hosts a unique aspect of Indian temple culture as
it is run by a Jain administration. The temple complex also includes shrines
dedicated to other Hindu deities like Lord Manjunatha (Shiva), Ammanavaru,
Chandranath, and the Dharma Daivas (guardian spirits of Dharma).
Shravanabelagola: Famous for the colossal monolithic statue
of Lord Gommateshwara, this Jain pilgrimage site is in Hassan district.
Kudalasangama: A pilgrimage site where the rivers Krishna
and Malaprabha merge, known for the Sangameshwara temple dedicated to Lord
Shiva.
Srikanteshwara Temple (Nanjangud): Located in Nanjangud near
Mysore, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Banashankari Temple: Situated in Badami, this temple is
dedicated to Goddess Banashankari, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati.
Chamundi Hill Temple: Perched atop Chamundi Hill in Mysore,
this temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari.
Sri Male Mahadeshwara Swamy Temple: Located in the Eastern
Ghats, this temple is dedicated to Lord Male Mahadeshwara, a form of Lord
Shiva.
Kurudumale Ganesh Temple: Known for its ancient idol of Lord
Ganesha, this temple is located in Mulbagal taluk of Kolar district.
Melkote Cheluva Narayana Swamy Temple: Situated in Mandya
district, this temple is dedicated to Lord Cheluva Narayana Swamy (Lord
Vishnu).
Kotilingeshwara Temple: Another temple famous for its
numerous Shiva Lingams, located in Kolar district.
Sri Virupaksha Temple, Hampi: A UNESCO World Heritage Site,
this temple dedicated to Lord Virupaksha (a form of Lord Shiva) is situated in
Hampi.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna: Located in
Srirangapatna near Mysore, this temple is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha (Lord
Vishnu).
These are just a few among the numerous Hindu temples in
Karnataka, each with its unique significance and architectural beauty, making
them ideal destinations for pilgrimage.