Summary:
Karnataka is home to over 34,000 temples, including UNESCO sites like Hampi, Pattadakal, and Hoysala temples. From Virupaksha Temple to Murudeshwara, key pilgrimage sites include Kukke Subramanya, Sringeri, Udupi, Dharmasthala, Belur, and Halebidu.
Karnataka is known as the Land of Temples and is home to magnificent historical shrines.
There are many famous temples and religious destinations in Karnataka. Some of the popular and top must-visit temples in Karnataka include the following:
| Chennakeshava Temple | Belur, Karnataka, India |
| Hoysaleswara Temple | Halebidu, Karnataka, India |
| Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas | Southern Karnataka, India |
| Keshava Temple | Somanathapura, Karnataka, India |
| The majestic temples of Pattadakal | Bagalkot District, Northern Karnataka, India |
Table of Contents
Karnataka is home to more than 34,000 temples, including UNESCO-recognised heritage sites such as Hampi, Pattadakal, and the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas. From Virupaksha Temple to Murudeshwar Temple, the state is known for its major pilgrimage destinations and magnificent historical shrines.
Karnataka is known for its numerous temples and rich cultural heritage. These monuments reflect diverse architectural styles and hold significant historical importance, including several UNESCO World Heritage sites. The state features various architectural styles, including:
Each temple has unique architectural characteristics.
Additionally, Karnataka is home to many significant temples. Every temple displays unique design elements, carvings, and construction techniques. These structures reflect the artistic excellence and cultural achievements of their respective periods.
These temples attract devotees and tourists from around the world. Some of these sacred sites include the following:
These historic temples showcase ancient temple architecture.
Karnataka has many Hindu temples. Millions of devotees visit these historic temples every year to worship the deities.
Let's explore some iconic and top-20 temples in Karnataka that one must visit in their lifetime.
| Temple | Location | Deity | Speciality |
| Annapoorneshwari Temple | Horanadu, Chikkamagaluru | Goddess Annapoorneshwari | It is believed to have been established by Sage Agastya several centuries ago. |
| Banashankari Amma Temple | Badami,Bagalkot | Goddess Banashankari | Ancient temple near Badami caves |
| Chamundeshwari Temple | Mysuru | Goddess Chamundeshwari | Located atop Chamundi Hills and regarded as Mysuru’s presiding temple |
| Chennakesava Temple | Belur, Hassan | Lord Vishnu | Masterpiece of Hoysala architecture |
| Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple | Dharmasthala, Dakshina Kannada | Lord Shiva (Manjunatha) | Known for charity and religious harmony |
| Ghati Subramanya Temple | Doddaballapur, Bengaluru Rural | Lord Subramanya& Narasimha | Unique dual deity worship |
| Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple | Gokarna, Uttara Kannada | Lord Shiva | One of the seven Mukti Sthalas |
| Hoysaleswara Temple | Halebidu, Hassan | Lord Shiva | Famous for intricate stone carvings |
| ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna Temple | Bengaluru | Lord Krishna | One of the largest ISKCON temples globally |
| Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple | Kateel, Dakshina Kannada | Goddess Durga Parameshwari | Located on an island in the Nandini River |
| Kodandarama Temple | Hampi | Lord Rama | Associated with Ramayana legends |
| Kollur Mookambika Temple | Kollur, Udupi | Goddess Mookambika | Important Shakti Peetha in Western Ghats |
| Kukke Subramanya Temple | Subramanya, Dakshina Kannada | Lord Subramanya | Famous for Sarpa Dosha rituals |
| Male Mahadeshwara Temple | Chamarajanagar | Lord Shiva | Major pilgrimage site in MM Hills |
| Murudeshwar Temple | Murudeshwar, Uttara Kannada | Lord Shiva | Towering Shiva statue by the sea |
| Nanjangud Srikanteshwara Temple | Nanjangud, Mysuru | Lord Shiva | Known as “Dakshina Kashi” |
| Sri Krishna Temple | Udupi | Lord Krishna | Established by Madhvacharya |
| Sringeri Sharada Peetham | Sringeri, Chikkamagaluru | Goddess Saraswati | Founded by Adi Shankaracharya |
| Virupaksha Temple | Hampi | Lord Shiva | UNESCO World Heritage site |
| Yoganarasimha Temple | Melukote, Mandya | Lord Narasimha | Sacred hilltop temple |
These iconic temples reflect Karnataka's rich architectural styles and spiritual landscape.
Karnataka is often called the ‘Land of Temples’ due to its rich architectural and spiritual heritage.
Karnataka, a state in southern India, is divided into 31 administrative districts. Each district in this state holds its spiritual and architectural heritage. The state has thousands of temples. The list below highlights only the major pilgrimage and historically significant temples district-wise.
Here is a list of Top 20 District-Wise Famous Temples in Karnataka
| District | Famous Hindu Temples |
| Bagalkot District | Badami Cave TemplesMahakuteshwara TempleBanashankari Amma Temple |
| Ballari (Bellary) District | Kumaraswamy TempleDaroji Narasimha TempleKanaka Durgamma Temple |
| Belagavi District | Kapileshwar TempleKadasiddeshwar TempleShri Ramakrishna Ashrama temples |
| Bengaluru Urban District | Dodda Ganapathi TempleISKCON Temple Bengaluru Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple |
| Bengaluru Rural District | Ghati Subramanya Temple |
| Chamarajanagar District | Male Mahadeshwara Temple |
| Chikkamagaluru District | Sringeri Sharada PeethamHoranadu Annapoorneshwari Temple |
| Dakshina Kannada District | Mangaladevi TempleKadri Manjunath TempleKukke Subramanya Temple |
| Gadag District | Trikuteshwara Temple |
| Hassan District | Chennakesava TempleHoysaleswara Temple |
| Kodagu District | Omkareshwara Temple |
| Kolar District | Kolaramma TempleSomeshwara Temple |
| Mandya District | Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple |
| Mysuru District | Chamundeshwari TempleNanjangud Srikanteshwara Temple |
| Shivamogga District | Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple |
| Udupi District | Udupi Sri Krishna TempleKollur Mookambika Temple |
| Uttara Kannada District | Murudeshwar TempleMahabaleshwar Temple |
| Vijayanagara District | Vijaya Vittala Temple |
These sacred monuments are renowned for:
Karnataka is known as the cradle of ancient civilisations.
According to the Archaeological Survey of India, Karnataka has hundreds of protected monuments, including temples, forts, and archaeological sites that span several historic dynasties.
Karnataka’s temple architecture evolved over several centuries under the patronage of major dynasties. These include the Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Rashtrakutas, and Vijayanagara rulers. Their influence is reflected in the state’s diverse styles of design, sculpture, and craftsmanship.
The UNESCO World Heritage Temples in Karnataka (2026) include:
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Location: Hampi, Vijayanagara District
Major UNESCO-recognised temples in Hampi include:
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Location: Bagalkot District
Major UNESCO-recognised temples in Pattadakal include:
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This is a serial World Heritage Site consisting of three major Hoysala temples:
Chennakesava Temple
Built in 1117 CE
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu
Hoysaleswara Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva
Known for intricate soapstone carvings
Keshava Temple
Classic example of mature Hoysala architecture
Read More: List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Karnataka – 2026
Karnataka is home to many architecturally significant temples that reflect its rich cultural and spiritual heritage. The state’s temples are known for their historical importance, intricate carvings, and distinct architectural styles.
These temples highlight the craftsmanship and design traditions of different dynasties that ruled the region.
Stay tuned to JAIN PU College's blog and explore more about the state's historical sites and other related articles.
So which of these temples in Karnataka have you visited?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
The Virupaksha Temple is located in Hampi, Karnataka, and is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, a form of Shiva. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Group of Monuments at Hampi. The temple dates back to the 7th century CE and was later expanded during the Vijayanagara period.
The Mysuru Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, is a historic royal residence located in Mysuru, Karnataka. It is one of India's most visited heritage monuments and is renowned for its Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Chokkanathaswamy Temple in Domlur, Bengaluru, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered one of the oldest surviving temples in the city.
Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple is dedicated to Lord Manjunatha, a form of Shiva. The temple is also known for its unique tradition of Jain administration and Hindu worship, reflecting Karnataka's diverse cultural heritage.
Several renowned temples in Karnataka were built during the Hoysala Empire, famous for their intricate carvings, star-shaped platforms, and soapstone architecture.
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