Discover the Rich Heritage of Karnataka's Temples
In addition to being places of worship, Karnataka's temples are marvels of architecture. The shrines dedicated to different gods and goddesses are simply testimonies of the craftsmanship of the artisans from the yesteryear dynasties. Among the best examples of Karnataka's temple architecture are the temples constructed on enormous star-shaped platforms by the Hoysalas and the rock caves by the Badami Chalukyas. Of the various temples across the state, two of the temples’ complexes are listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. One is Hampi, the erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagara dynasty, and the other is Pattadakal, the classical architecture dating back to Badami Chalukyas. These are the two monuments frequently visited by global travellers.
Some of the famous temples across Karnataka that can be included in the Must Be Visited list are Vittala temple in Hampi, Virupaksha temple and Mallikarjuna temple in Pattadakal, Ranganatha Swamy temple in Srirangapatna, Kukke Subramanya temple near Mangalore, Murudeshwar Shiva temple, and Kollur Mookambika temple. With hundreds of smaller shrines and places of devotion for many religions, in addition to these well-known temples, Karnataka is the perfect destination for a spiritual vacation.
Visiting such pilgrimage sites serves to enrich one both in the understanding of India's spiritual legacy and also brings one closer to the country's cultural roots. Whether you visit them for spiritual solace, knowledge regarding the historical backdrop of these places, or experiences of an exciting journey, the temples of Karnataka must be visited. They are the immortal sentinels of India's great spiritual/cultural ethos, promising an unforgettable journey into the very heart of her heritage.
