Top 10 Historical Temples in Karnataka

Karnataka is a heavenly abode of magnificent monuments, standing majestically for ages. It houses numerous places of tourist interest including beautiful beaches, ancient forts, lush green forests, and enchanting hills.  People are also drawn to this part of the Indian region due to its spectacular top historical temples with miraculous stories. From large, intricately carved gopurams to majestic pillars and life-size temples, these magnificent temples in South India are steeped in legend and awe-inspiring in their splendor.

Here are the Top 10 Historical Temples in Karnataka:

Keshava Temple

Built-in 1268, the Keshava Temple is one of the top 10 historical temples in Karnataka. Keshava Temple in Somanathapura was built by Hoysala Army Commander Somanatha. According to 15th-century inscriptions, the Kesava Temple was also badly damaged. It was repaired in the 16th century with financial support and grants from the Emperors of the Vijayanagara Empire. 

The reconstruction is evidenced by the different colors of the stones and the quality of the workmanship of the porch and parts of the north tower and platform of the main temple. It is one of the best-preserved temples of the Hoysala Empire, completely covered with carvings.

 It is built on a raised platform with an external Pradakshina path. The temple has a star-shaped plan with three shrines and vimanas. The walls are covered with beautiful friezes depicting scenes from epic poems, figures of elephants, and scenes of battle with cavalry. 

The section above is covered with sculptures of various deities. The star-shaped plan creates multiple corners and niches that offer the sculptor multiple canvases, each row with a different motif. Exquisite carving is like a jeweler’s work. The ceilings are also beautifully decorated.

 A unique feature of this temple is the shrines in the shape of three stars, decorated with intricate carvings. Only 40 km away, this temple is easily accessible from Mysore Airport. That’s why it is one of the top historical temples in Karnataka. 

Kotilingeshwara Temple

Located in a small village called Kammasandra, Kotilingeshwara Temple is one of the top 10 historical temples in Karnataka. The temple has the largest statue and traditional architecture. In 1980 the temple was started and built by Swami Sambha Shiva Murthy. Easily accessible, Temple Road is located in Kammasanadra, a small village in Kolar District. 

The temple with the tallest Shivalinga in the world is located here along with over 90 lakhs of other Shivalinga of various sizes. The main attraction of the temple is the 33 m tall Shivalinga and Lord Nandi, the 11 m tall bull. It also has rare collections of archeological finds like clay pots etc.

 No wonder almost 3 lakhs visit this Kotilingeshwara temple during Shivaratri every year. Located in a small village called Kammasandra, this temple is only famous for special occasions during Shivaratri. The temple is open to donations of Shivalingas of various sizes, which can be installed with the donor’s name engraved. This amazing temple has a larger footprint and every year visitors come for Shivaratri and get blessings from Lord Shiva. Moreover, it is one of the top historical temples in Karnataka. 

Vidyashankara Temple

The Vidyasankara Temple is one of the top 10 historical temples in Karnataka. It was built in the 14th century in memory of Guru Vidhyasankara. It is a magnificent monument built entirely of stone, showing the Dravida and Hoysala style of architecture.

 Built on the Vidyashankara Samadhi, the Vidyashankara Temple is an admirable monument made entirely of carved stone and conforming to the architectural style of Hoysalas & Dravidians. 

The Vijayanagara Emperors, influenced by Vidyaranya, made great contributions to the temple structures. Also, there are several inscriptions throughout the temple that provide insight into the Vijayanagara Empire. There are 6 steps leading to the temple & 12 finely carved pillars known as Zodiac/Raashi pillars in the temple hall. 

Each pillar depicts a roaring lion with a stone ball rolling in its mouth. The pillars marked with the corresponding sign of the zodiac are arranged in such a way that the sun’s rays fall on the pillar in the order of the 12 solar months. This temple is located on the bank of the Tungabhadra River. Overall it is one of the top historical temples in Karnataka. 

Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple

Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple is one of the top 10 historical temples in Karnataka. It is a 4th-century AD Hindu temple in Gokarna, Uttara Kannada District, Karnataka State, India, built in the classical Dravidian architectural style. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is also mentioned in the Ramayana and Mahabharata. 

Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple is considered as sacred as Kashi hence it is often called Dakshin Kashi. The temple is built of granite in a Dravidian architectural style. 

The festival of Shivaratri, the union festival of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is celebrated in Gokarna on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the month Magha, which falls in February or March when large numbers of pilgrims visit the temple. Overall it is one of the top historical temples in Karnataka.

Kanaka Durga Temple

The Kanaka Durga Temple in Andhra Pradesh is one of the top historical temples in Karnataka. The goddess appears here in her form of Mahishasurmardini with the image of the slain demon king Mahishasura. The temple is surrounded by the Inrakeeladri Hills, right on the banks of the Krishna River. 

The temple is mentioned in many sacred texts and Vedic literature and is a revered temple among devotees and devotees. This temple is probably the only one in the world where the female deity is seated to the right of the male deity, as opposed to the woman’s traditional left seat. 

This is significant because it actually shows that Shakti or the feminine force of the cosmic universe is dominant here. The main structure of the shrine is in the shape of a pyramid, the surface of which is decorated with fine stone carvings. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Kanaka Durga Temple is its golden crown, which can be seen from miles away. 

As this temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, the nine days of Navratri are celebrated here with fervent energy and joy. The most significant day of the year is of course the tenth day – Dussehra.

Celebrations are held here every year and thousands of pilgrims flock to invoke Her Holiness’ blessings. People visit this temple every year to pay respect and devotion to the Supreme Goddess and to ask for her blessings. No surprise it is one of the top historical temples in Karnataka.

Virupaksha Temple

Located on the banks of the magnificent Tungabhadra River, Virupaksha Temple is one of the top 10 historical temples in Karnataka. It is a great marvel of the Vijayanagara Empire. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is famous for its large gopurams, magnificent architecture, and intricate sculptures. Built-in the 7th century, the temple has been enlarged several times by different rulers of the kingdom to demonstrate its power. Over the centuries, the temple gradually developed into a huge complex with numerous shrines, porticoes, pillars, lanterns, gate towers, and even a large temple kitchen. 

The gradually descending superstructure is made of brick and mortar. There are many interesting stucco figures around the exterior of the first level. The central portico, Ranga Mandapa, is Raja Krishnadevaraya’s most elaborate addition. Virupaksha Temple is the center for weddings and Virupaksha Pampa celebrations in December.

 This South Indian temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The annual festivals attract large crowds of both types. The very origin of Hampi’s history as a sacred place revolves around the myths associated with this temple. 

In the morning and evening, you can witness the daily rituals and ceremonies of the temple. The temple opens before sunrise and closes at night. Overall it is one of the best historical temples in Karnataka. 

Krishna Temple

Krishna Temple or Udupi Sri Krishna Matha is one of the top 10 historical temples in Karnataka. It is considered one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in South India and is one of the most auspicious temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. The idol of Krishna is adorned with jewels and a golden chariot. 

It is also the birthplace of Daasa Sahitya, a form of Udupi literature. Temple administration and offerings are performed cyclically between eight matches every two years. They are collectively known as Ashta Mathagalu. Because Krishna’s mother Yashoda wanted to see him in the form of a child, her idol saw the same type. 

Several festivals like Ramanavami, Deepavali, Krishnashtami, Hanuman Jayanti, Saptotsava, or Seven Utsavas are celebrated in January and Paryaya Festival is once every two years. That’s why it is one of the top historical temples in Karnataka.

Vitthala Temple

Vitthala temple is one of the top 10 historical temples in Karnataka. This spectacular masterpiece is a living legend of Hampi’s many monuments for its architectural splendor.

 Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Vithhala Temple stands out for its impressive architecture and splendor. Legends say that the temple was built as a residence for Lord Vishnu in his Vitthala form. 

Famous for its musical pillars, pillars are said to emit notes when played in a certain way. Another highlight of the temple is the monolithic giant stone chariot. The beautifully carved stone chariot is one of the finest structures in the Vijayanagara kingdom.

 It is actually a temple in the shape of an ornate chariot dedicated to Garuda, the bearer of Lord Vishnu. The Vittala temple complex is a large area surrounded by high walls and three high gates. The temple complex has many halls, shrines, and buildings inside.

 Each of these structures is made of stone and each structure is beautiful in its own right. The western central hall of the temple was destroyed in a Mughal attack that led to the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1565. 

Today, the temple complex hosts the annual Purandaradasa festival. Floodlit, the temple is seductively illuminated. Overall it is one of the top historical temples in Karnataka.  

Murudeshwara Shiva Temple

Built on Kanduka hill in Murudeshwar city, this temple is one of the top 10 historical temples in Karnataka.  This temple has the second-tallest statue of Lord Shiva in the world and the sheer magnanimity of the statue will amaze you. 

Its main attraction is the Shiva Temple with Chalukya sculptures and Dravidian style Kadamba with an amazing Shiva statue and a pristine beach. The temple sits on a hilltop with stunning views of the sea. The 123-foot-tall idol is the second-tallest Shiva statue in the world.

The temple is also surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea and offers breathtaking views. The entire surface of this temple is covered with the most intricate and detailed carvings you have ever seen. 

The temple complex has been modernized except for the Holy of Holies, which has retained its original form. The main deity of the temple is Sri Mridesa Linga, who is said to be part of the original Atma Linga. Moreover, it is one of the top historical temples in Karnataka.  

Hoysaleswara Temple

Hoysaleswara Temple known as Halebidu Temple is one of the top historical temples in Karnataka.  The famous temple is named after King Vishnuvardhana Hoysaleswara who built it. A large number of contributions were received from the Shaivas for the construction of the temple.

 As the biggest monument in Halebidu, this temple is always packed with tourists from all over the world. Hoysaleswara Temple is surrounded by ponds, mandapas, and lakes. It is known for its Hoysala period sculptures and architecture. 

The temple has unique sculptures and a layout with two shrines, one for the king and one for the queen. It has around a thousand figures on the walls depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Hoysala architecture is reflected in the structure of this temple.

This temple has twin temples and two shrines. One of the shrines is for Hoysaleswara or King and the other is for Shantaleswara or Queen. The best time to visit this temple is February for the Shivratri festival. That’s why it is one of the top historical temples in Karnataka.  

Conclusion

As for the final say, these are some of the top 10 historical temples in Karnataka. These temples are some of the popular temples in India, and they have miraculous stories. It was visited by millions of tourists from across the world for peace and goodness in life.