Famous Temples of Karnataka
The State of Karnataka is known for its
abundance of tourist attractions and temples.
There is a radiance of peace and tranquility that encompasses the
temples. Temple complex highlights the rock-cut temples and ancient
shrines in Karnataka. These famous Hindu temples have sustained
through the adversity of time.
Temples of Karnataka represents the typical Dravidian style of
architecture. Pilgrimage centers such as Mookambika and Udupi nestling
on the western ghats showcases the ruins of the once grand Vijayanagar
edifices at Hampi. The Hoysala temples marked with a prodigality of
complex sculpture, the Ancient Temples built by the Cholas and the
Chalukyan Temples attracts thousands of devotees across the globe.
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Major Temple Attractions of Karnataka
Bull Temple
Bull Temple is situated in the capital city of Bangalore. The main
attraction of the temple is the 4.57-m high and 6.10-m long image of
Nandi - the Lord Shiva's bull. This remarkable bull temple is carved
out of rock was constructed by Kempe Gowda in the 16th century.
Originally the color of bull Nandi was gray which has now turned
black due to the continuos applying of coconut oil by the devotees on
the holy bull deity. The charm of the temple is its carving, the
statue of the bull has been carved out of a single granite rock. The
sculpture attracts thousands of devotees from far and wide areas. The
temple is occupied throughout the year with religious ceremony and
events held in the temple premises.
Note: Non Hindus are not allowed in the temple. On weekends,
musicians present their concerts at the temple.
Badami Cave Temples
Badami is famous for its cave temples - all hewn out of sand stone
on the cliff of a hill. Badami arrayed with most picturesque location
is worth a visit site. The region is adorned with pristine blue lake,
famous ancient temple shrines, museum and above all Hindu and Jain
caves, carved out of Sandstone. The largest and most ornamental is the
third cave temple dedicated to Vishnu.
A reservoir thronged with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva (holy
deities of Hindu's) is another attraction of the region. Also a must
are the Bhutanath temples that lend their name to the lake beneath the
cave temples.
Markandeshwara Temple at Kallur Near Raichur
Markandeshwara Temple at Kallur is dedicated to Lord Markandeshwara
(Shiva). Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagar Empire worshipped in these
temples along with his family. The Markandeshwara is the oldest temple
with exquisitely carved, polished pillars.
Mookambika Temple at Kollur Near Mangalore
Mookambika Temple is located in Kollur town near Mangalore. This
famous temple is dedicated to the deity Mookambika (Devi). In front of
the image of the Goddess Mookambika their is a Jyotirlingam which is
of great antiquity.
Special features of the lingam - a golden line divides this lingam
into two unequal parts and is visible only in the light of reflected
sunlight pointed at the lingam. The right portion of this lingam is
said to represent Bhrama, Vishnu and Shiva - and the larger left part
represents the Godess Kali, Lakshmi and Saraswathi. Adi Sankara the
great religious leader had installed the metal image of the Goddess
behind the lingam.
Nandi Temples At Nandi Hills Near Bangalore
The Nandi Temple perched on the foothills of Nandi Hills dates back
to the period of the Banas, Cholas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagar
Kings. The temple is dedicated to deities Bhoganandiswara,
Yoganandiswara (Shiva). The temple received extensive patronage from
the Vijayanagar Kings. The pillars and metalwork deserve special
mention.
Narada Temple At Naradagadde Near Raichur
Narada Temple is dedicated to the Divine Sage Narada. This temple is
constructed on Naradagadde - one of the most scenic islands on the
Krishna River. Due to its exquisite location the temple is not only
visited by devotees but also by the travel enthusiast who make their
day on the bank of the river.
Pattabhirama Temple At Hampi Near Hospet
Pattabhirama Temple is situated in the city of Hampi. Lord Rama is
the holy deity who is worshipped here with full dedication. This
majestic temple is known for its splendid architecture that dates back
to Vijayanagar period.
Sravanabelagola At Sravanabelagola Near Mysore
This history of Sravanabelagola goes back to the 3rd century BC.
Sravanabelagola near Mysore is famous for a structural marvel - a
monolithic statue of Gomateswara rising up to a height of about 60
feet. This majestic statue was erected in the 10th century AD. There
are several Jain temples in Sravanabelagola, some of which are built
in the Hoysala style.
Iskcon Temple
Iskcon temple in the city of Bangalore is one of the most popular
and sought after pilgrimage centers in the region. The majestic temple
complex, the supreme deities of Lord Krishna, Radha and the spiritual
atmosphere makes the pilgrimage one of the most holy sites. This
temple attracts people from national and international front every
week.
Gavi Gangadhareshvara Temple
The Gavi Gangadhareshvara temple was constructed in the 16th century
by Kemoe Gowda. The temple is located inside a rock cave in Gavipuram
and is one of the Banglore's oldest temples. The main attractions of
the temple are the granite pillars that supports colossal discs
symbolizing the sun and the moon. The special feature of the temple is
a unique phenomenon of the evening sun's rays passing between Nandhi's
horns and falling directly on the linga inside the cave.
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