Temples of Karnataka

Temples of Karnataka

Temples of Karnataka

The State of Karnataka is known for its multitude of tourist attractions and temples. Pilgrimage centerssuch as Mookambika and Udupi cradled in the western ghats offer a contrast to the ruins of the once grand Vijayanagar edifices at Hampi. The Hoysala temples marked with a profusion of intricate sculpture, and the ancient temples built by the Cholas, and the Chalukyan temples add to the variation in style across this state.

About the Temples of Karnataka: The Chalukyas, the Gangas, the Hoysalas, the Vijayanagar rulers and others contributed to diverse temple styles seen in Karnataka. Halebidu - a sculptors dream lived in stone. TheHoysaleswara temple in Halebidu is a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture and sculpture. Mookambika - Kollur: Rich in legend and tradition, this temple at Kollur is closely associated with Adi Sankaracharya. Udupi - is the seat of the Madhva school of philosophy. TheBalakrishna temple is one of the well visited pilgrimage centers of Karnataka. Gokarna: This ancient Shiva temple is revered pilgrimage center in Karnataka ; it has been revered by the hymns of the ancient Tamil saints. Sravanabelagola: The collossal monolithic image of Gomateswara or Bahubali is a familiar sight to those touring Karnataka. Nandi hills, located near Bangalore is home to theBhoganandeeswara and Yoganandeeswara temples. Belur Chennakesava Temple: Explore the rich sculptural wealth of this ancient Hoysala monumentbuilt by Vishnuvardhana of the 12th century CE. (article contributed by guest writer).) Somnathpura: The Kesava temple at Somnathapura located near Mysore is a standing illustration of Hoysala art. Belur Chennakesava Temple: Explore the history of this Hoysala monumentand experience its sculptural splendour. (article contributed by guest writer). Srirangapatna near Mysore - the historic capital of Tipu Sultan enshrines Ranganatha and Ranganayaki at the grandRanganatha temple. Melkote located near Mysore is home to the Tirunarayana temple and is a seat of the Sri Vaishnava tradition. Chamundeswari Templebuilt at Chamundi hills near Mysore enshrines Chamundeswari the tutelary deity of the Maharajahs of Mysore. Aihole near Bijapur is one of the centers of early Chalukyan art. The Durga temple is probably the best known of the temples here. Badami: The ancient town of Vatapi was a capital of the early Chalukyas. It is now known as Badami and it has several temples from the sixth and seventh centuries CE. Pattadakal, the third in the triad of early Chalukyan art centers near Bijapur has severallandmarks in the evolution of temple architecture. Mahakoota is another early Chalukyan temple art repository and is located near Badami. Talakkad near Mysore:This ancient temple atTalakkad near Mysore was patronized by the Cholas of the 12th century CE. The Virupaksha temple at Vijayanagar dating back to the period of Krishna Deva Raya, enshrines Virupakshaor Pampapati. The Vitthala temple at Vijayanagar (Hampi) is known for its halls with exquisite pillars, intricate friezes and the a stone chariot. Subrahmanya is one of the seven revered Mukti stalas of Karnataka and it enshrines Subrahmanya(Kartikeya). The Seven Mukti Stalas of Karnataka associated with Parasurama include some of the well visited pilgrimage shrinessuch as Kollur, Udupi & Gokarna. Dharmastala - a well visited pilgrimage center in Karnataka enshrinesManjunatha, in this stala of Dharma or righteousness & charity. Nanjangud: TheShrikanteshwara temple at Nanjangud near Mysore is a revered center of worship. The Kalyani Chalukyas of the 11th & 12th centuries developed a temple style characterized by ornate pillars and doorways. The district of Kolar known more for its gold fields is home to several templestracing their history through several royal dynasties that ruled the region.

Sringeri: TheVidyashankara temple is a magnificient temple built under the patronage of the Vijayanagar empire. Karnataka Temple Index: This index provides a pointer to the hundreds of temples that dot the state of Karnataka.