6 GLORIOUS MUST-VISIT TEMPLES IN KARNATAKA
Karnataka, a land offering a wide variety of tourist destinations. From Pristine Beaches, Pilgrimage sites, National parks, reserves, grand palaces, heritage, and historical monuments, attracts travelers from all around the world. Karnataka is a sanctum of nature embracing waterfalls, hill stations, and forest reserves, a state with nature’s Kaleidoscope at its best. It is popular for its marvelous temples, boasting the glorious reigns of the various dynasties that ruled Karnataka. These temples are an architectural marvel whilst preserving culture and art that act as a storyteller of bygone kings and mythological legends. Note : Please keep in mind to wear proper attire, preferably ethnic for women. For men, a bare upper body is required while visiting these places of devotion. Although Karnataka is home to thousands of beautiful temples, we have curated a list of 6 must-visit magnificent temples. SRI KRISHNA TEMPLE AT UDUPI Also known as the Mathura of Southern India for it’s divine Sri Krishna Temple, this small town is situated amidst the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats in the temple town of Udupi. The temple is one of the seven Mukti Sthalas (pilgrimage centers) of Karnataka. Image Credits : Ravikiran Rao on wikimediacommons.org What’s peculiar about this temple? The idol of Lord Krishna faces the west, although every Hindu temple idol is east facing. There’s a popular local story explaining this change; Saint Kanakadasa came to Udupi as a pilgrim but was forbidden from entering the temple since he originated from an oppressed class. A miracle is said to happen in the form of an earthquake, and a small crack appeared in the temple walls. The idol of Lord Krishna turned towards the crack to appease Kanakdasa. This crack was built into a window and came to be known as “Kanakana Kindi” devotees now seek blessings from this window. The temple stays open all days of the week from 8:30 – 10:00 A.M and 2:00 – 6:00 P.M. Image Credits : Trimurthi Kulkarni on wikimediacommons.org TTW Recommendations : Try the delicious Prasadam offered by the temple in the form of Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all free of cost. Don’t forget to gorge on the unique cuisine of Udupi and its renowned Udupi Dosas. Hoyasaleshwara Temple Hoyasaleshwara temple or Halebidu temple is famous for its detailed carvings and imagery from epics like Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, and Ramayana etched into the temple walls, in the form of small friezes, renowned for its remarkable Indian craftsmanship. Although this temple reflects on the Hindu style of architecture, the influence of other traditions like Jainism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism are noticed. Halebidu was the ancient capital of the Hoysala Empire and the temple was built by King Vishnuvardhana. The nearest city is Belur, 17 km away from the temple. Local Taxis are available to reach the temple. Image Credits : freejpg.com Get lost in the unique architecture The armies of Alauddin Khilji and Muhammed Tughlaq raided the temple after defeating the Hoysalas and had also damaged temple inscriptions. What’s left of the temple are ruins, protected by the State Archaeology department. One can only imagine the Grandeur of this temple before its destruction. This 12th Century twin temple made of Soapstone is dedicated to Lord Shiva, in the form of Hoysaleshwara and Santaleshwara Shiva Lingas. The base consists of 8 rows of friezes carved with lions, elephants, horses, and floral scrolls. The walls are adorned with intricate engravings of sages, Hindu deities, animals, birds, and friezes, illustrating the lifestyle of Hoysala Kings. The temple stays open from Mondays to Fridays from 6:30 A.M – 9:00 P.M. TTW Recommendations : Hire a local guide to understand the meaning of the carvings and delve deep to grasp the unique architecture of the Halebidu Temple. Hoyasala Mahotsava, a dance festival is one of the important festivals celebrated in these temples. If you’re visiting this monument in the Summer season, make sure to carry umbrellas and hats to avoid the scorching heat. Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Virupaksha Temple is part of the Group of Monuments of Hampi and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, a form of Shiva, Goddess Pampa, and Goddess Bhuvaneshawari, the temple was built by Lakkan Dandesha under the rule of Deva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire. Image Credits : Vedamurthy J on wikimediacommons.org Encounter the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire The Virupaksha temple is the most significant center of pilgrimage in Hampi and is considered the most sacred. Hampi, situated at the embankment of the Tungabhadra river, is an architectural paradise and home to the lost kingdom of Vijayanagara. This civilization bears testimony to the grandeur and wealth of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Empire was so prosperous that Gold and Silver street markets filled the city. Art, craft, and culture prospered in the 14th century, during the reign of the dynasty. However, they were later demolished by Muslim invaders. The temple includes a shrine, a hall with numerous pillars, three antechambers, courtyards, a pillared monastery, and entryways around the temple.One of the most renowned kings of the Vijayanagara Empire, Krishnadevaraya, made a huge contribution to this temple by adding the main pillared hall. The Virupaksha temple still stands strong as an ode to the Vijayanagara legacy, the only temple in Hampi where Pooja( ritual worship) is still intact and attracts huge crowds, especially in February, during the Chariot Festival. The temple stays open for all days of the week from 9:00 AM – 1:00 P.M and 5:00 P.M – 9:00 P.M. TTW Recommendtions : Visit in the early hours to escape the rush. Hire a guide and take sufficient time to appreciate the architecture and art. Keep an eye on your belongings and food items as the area is surrounded by monkeys. Kollur Mookambika Temple, Kollur Situated on the Southern bank of Souparnika River and at the foothills of Kodachadri Hills, this temple is devoted to Mother Goddess
