Prominent Temples in Karnataka - You should visit at least once
“When you go to an Indian temple, it is just to behold an energy form. You want to take an imprint of the Divine within yourself.”
1) Sri Kshethra Dharmasthala
This place is the land of righteousness and piety, The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva which is called as “Sri Khsethra Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple”. “Dharmasthala” located on the banks of river Nethravathi, The abode of Dharma, is the quintessence of humanity and faith. As the name suggests, the word Dharma in its truest sense means righteousness, it is the embodiment of the world’s most divine emotions in spite of one’s cast, creed or religion.
History: Dharmasthala has an history of 800 years.
Location: Belthangady taluk of the Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka.
How to reach
By Road: Dharmasthala can be reached by road easily, which is 300km from Bangalore. The Best Route option is Bangalore – Hassan – Sakaleshpur – Dharmasthala via Shiradi Ghat.
There are so many direct buses available from Bangalore very frequently everyday. From the normal buses to AC Volvo buses also available from Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore etc.,
The road pass through Shiradi ghat which is between Sakaleshpur and Gundya, its a beautiful ride in western ghats, Also there is one more most scenic view of western ghats route available which is via Charmadi ghat, Bangalore - Hassan - Mudigere - Charmadi - Ujire - Dharamasthala = 340km. The road conditions are very good in both the route.
By Train: Kukke railway station is the nearest station, Direct Trains available from Bangalore. Buses or taxis available from Kukke to Dharmasthala very frequenty. train route is most beautiful from Sajakeshpur to Kukke, which crosses the western ghats and its also a trekking trail of Yedakamuri Trek on Rail tracks, which goes with number of tunnels and the experience is awesome.
By Air: Nearest Airport is Mangalore. Buses or private taxis will be available from Mangalore frequently, Dharmasthala is 80km from here.
Temple timings: Dharshana - 6:30 Am to 11 Am, 12:15 Pm to 2:30 Ppm & 5 Pm to 8:30 Pm.
Accommodation: Around the temple premises there are many guest houses available which are maintained well by the temple committee. The rooms are so clean, Hygienic and with basic necessities and utilities. Guest houses are Sannidhi, Saketh, Nethravathi, Rajathadri, Sahyadhri, Gangotri, Gayathri, Vaishali & Sharavathi. There are more than 1000 rooms available in these guest houses and are ranging from 100 Rupees to 1500 Rupees depending on facilities. Apart from the temple guest houses there are private hotels/Lodges also available around Dharmasthala.
Food: Dharmasthala offers a Free Prsadham meals,
Sunday and Monday - Morning : 10.30 Am to 4.30 Pm & Night : 07 Pm to 10 Pm.
Tuesday to Saturday - Morning : 11 Am to 02.45 Pm & Night : 07 Pm to 10 Pm. Also there are various Hotels in & around the temples, nearest city is Ujire.
Notes: Men should remove shirt and Banian(vest) while entering the Sanctum Sanctorum, Men with half pants and ladies with nighties are not allowed inside the Temple for darshan, Children below the age of 2 years are not allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum, Bags are not allowed inside the Temple to enable utmost security, Breakfast will be offered in the queue line during crowded days, Restrooms are available alongside the queue line.
Specials: Annual Festival or Jathre - A nine – day Festival conducted in April, Special poojas for the gramadevatha & Dharma Nemothsava for Dharmadaivas and Shri Annappa Swamy, Also Laksha Deepotsava is the Annual Grand festival of lights, celebrated for last five days in the month of Kartika (November – December).
Temple around Attractions:
Bahubali Statue - situated at a kilometer from the Manjunatha temple and led by a beautiful pathway, is the majestic shrine of lord Bahubali standing at a height of 39-feet.
Annappa Swamy Betta - This shrine is dedicated to Shri Annappa swamy and is home to the shrines of the four Dharma Daivas, Entry of children and women is restricted to this hill owing to the legend and lore of the temple.
Manjusha Museum & Car Museum - has a unique collection of heritage objects and artifacts, which were in use till recently in the coastal areas and beautiful collection of automobiles and horse drawn carriages can literally trace the evolution of vehicles through the centuries.
Jama Ugrana - Is the main ingredient store for the annapoorna kitchen. With traditional and scientifically proven methods of food preservation, the Jama Ugrana can store food ingredients for upto months
2) Horandu
Sri Kshetra Horanadu is located at the very Remote corner of Chikkamagaur District, Surrounded by Beautiful western ghats range with Scenic View points, Trekking Trails & River belt Bhadra with thick Forest & Much more, This Temple is Dedicated to “Adishakthyathmaka Sri Annapoorneshwari Devi”.
History: Horanadu has an history of 400 years, The great deity of Adishakthyathmaka Sri Annapoorneshwari’s Prathistapana was done by his holiness Agasthya Maharishi several centuries back .
Location: Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka
How to reach
By Road: Horanadu can be reached by road easily, which is 300km from Bangalore. The best Route option is Bangalore - Hassan - Belur - Kottige haara - Kalasa - Horanadu.
There are so many direct buses available from Bangalore very frequently everyday. From the Normal buses to AC Volvo buses also available from Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore etc.,
By Train: There are no Direct trains to Horanadu, Nearet railwasy station is more than 100km which is Chikmagalur or Kadur, There are regular trains runs between Bangalore to Shivmoga via Kadur, But it is best to travel in Bus or taxis than train, Which is more convenient and time saving.
By Air: Nearest Airport is Mangalore. Buses or private taxis will be available from Mangalore frequently, Horanadu is 130km from here.
Temple timings: Dharshana - 6:30 Am to 9 Am, 11 Am to 2 Pm & 7 Pm to 9:30 Pm
Accommodation: Around the temple premises there are many guest houses/hotels available. The rooms are clean, Hygienic and with basic necessities and utilities. The rooms are ranging from 200 Rupees to 3000 Rupees depending on facilities. Booking facility available online.
Food: Horanadu offers a Free Prsadham,
All day - Morning: 7.30 Am to 9.30Am, Afternoon: 12.00 Pm to 3.00 Pm & Night : 07.30 Pm to 9.30 Pm.
Also there are various Hotels in & around the temples, nearest city is Kalasa.
Notes: Dress Code for Men - Horanadu Temple Dress Code for Men are White Panche, Dhoti/Kurta, Pyjama, Shirt and Pant. One must have to remove shirt before entering the Darshan Line.
Dress Code for Female - There is not any particular dress code for women but it is recommended to wear decent apparel. Saree with blouse/Punjabi Dress with Dupatta/Chudidhar with Dupatta/Half Saree.
Specials: In the month of Aashada, The whole month, Temple will be decorated by flowers completely, this time more pilgrims will visit to see the beauty of temple, Out of so many festivals Akshaya Thadige, Navarathri Mahotsava & Deepotsava are famous to visit.
Temple around Attractions:
The Annapoorneshwari Devi temple itself is the main attraction around the temple premises to see. Kalasa is the nearest city and which is 8 km and Shri Kalaseshwara Swami Temple is a must visit place nearby.
Where as there are so many tourist attractions surrounded by Horanadu.
3) Sringeri
Sringeri is a hill town is situated on the banks of the River Tunga. Sringeri is well known as a learning center & many students come down here to learn Vedic philosophy. Pilgrims come with their children to start their first writing practice here, The temple is dedicated to goddess Sharadha Devi.
History: Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada established this place more than twelve centuries ago. When the Acharya came to Sringeri, he saw an unusual sight on the banks of Tunga. A cobra was seen spreading out its hood over a frog in labour pains, to give it shadow from the scorching mid-day sun. Struck with the sanctity of the place, which could infuse love between natural adversaries, the Acharya chose this very location to establish His first MaTha called Sringeri Sharda PeeTham
Location: Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka
How to reach
By Road: Sringeri can be reached by road easily, which is 320km from Bangalore. The best Route option is Bangalore - Hassan - Belur - Balehonnur - Sringeri.
There are so many direct buses available from Bangalore very frequently everyday. From the Normal buses to AC Volvo buses also available from Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Chikmagalur etc.,
By Train: Shivmogga is the nearest railway station which is 100 and many trains are availbale form Bangalore, Also Chikmagalur raikwasy station is near by which is 85km from Sringeri but Chikmagalur can be reached by train via Kadur which is less frequent than other train route. Best option is to hire a Taxi for a family because there are so many tourist attraction near by.
By Air: Nearest Airport is Mangalore. Buses or private taxis will be available from Mangalore frequently, Sringeri is 110km from here.
Temple timings: Dharshana - 6:00 Am to 2:00 Pm & 4:00 Pm to 9:00 Pm
Accommodation: Around the temple premises there are many guest houses/hotels available. The rooms are clean, Hygienic and with basic necessities and utilities. The rooms are ranging from 200 Rupees to 3000 Rupees depending on facilities. Booking facility available online.
Food: Sringeri offers a Free Prsadham,
Afternoon: 12.15 Pm to 2:30 Pm & Night : 07:15 Pm to 8.30 Pm.
Also there are various Hotels in & around the temples.
Notes: Dress Code for Men - Horanadu Temple Dress Code for Men are White Panche, Dhoti/Kurta, Pyjama, Shirt and Pant.
Dress Code for Female - There is not any particular dress code for women but it is recommended to wear decent apparel. Saree with blouse/Punjabi Dress with Dupatta/Chudidhar with Dupatta/Half Saree.
Specials: Out of so many festivals Ratha Sapthami, Navarathri Mahotsava & Deepotsava are famous to visit.
Temple around Attractions:
Vidyashankara Temple - Situated next to Sharadhamba temple and The temple was built during the 14th century.
There are so many tourist attractions surrounded by Sringeri.
4) Kolluru
Kollur is a beautiful village located Peacefully at the foot of Kodachadri hills in Western ghats with banks of Souparnika river, The legendary goddess Shri Mookambika (Parvathy) is in the form of Swayambhu Lingam.
History: The Demon Kamhasura who got blessings from Lord Shiva, that no male can kill him, started misusing his power on spiritual Devarushis and Gods too, they all prayed to Goddes Parvathy to put an end to him. When Kamhasura got to know that his death coming form a lady, he performed a strict prayer and before asking for a wish on Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathy took of his speech and he became mute/deaf, So he became “Mookasura”. Goddess Parvathy killed him and became Legendary “Shri Mookambika Devi”.
Spiritual guru Shri Adi Shankaracharya prayed and asked for Idol to worship at kerala and Mookambika devi wished with a condition that “ She will follow Adi Shankaracharya and he should not turn back, if the condition is broken then the Idol will be placed at that location”, after few minutes Goddess stopped the voice of her Anklets to test him and Shri Shankaracharya got doubt and turned back, from there the place became Kolluru Shree Kshethra.
Location: Udupi district, Karnataka
How to reach
By Road: Kollur can be reached by road easily, which is 430km from Bangalore. The best Route option is Bangalore – Chitradurga – Shivmogga - Nagara - Kollur
There are so many direct buses available from Bangalore very frequently everyday. From the Normal buses to AC Volvo buses also available from Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore etc.,
By Train: Kundapura/Shivmogga railway station is the nearest station, Direct Trains available from Bangalore. Buses or taxis available from Kundapura to Shivmogga.
By Air: Nearest Airport is Mangalore. Buses or private taxis will be available from Mangalore frequently, Kollur is 130km from here.
Temple timings: 5.00 Am to 1.30 Pm and 3.00 Pm to 9.00 Pm
Accommodation: Around the temple premises there are many guest houses/hotels available. The rooms are clean, Hygienic and with basic necessities and utilities. The rooms are ranging from 200 Rupees to 3000 Rupees depending on facilities. Booking facility available online.
Food: Kolluru offers a Free Prsadham to devotees,
Afternoon: 12.30 Pm to 2:00 Pm & Night : 8.00 Pm to 10.00 Pm.
Also there are various Hotels in & around the temples.
Notes: Dress Code for Men - Kollur Temple Dress Code for Men are White Panche, Dhoti/Kurta, Pyjama, Shirt and Pant.
Dress Code for Female - It is recommended to wear decent apparel. Saree with blouse/Punjabi Dress with Dupatta/Chudidhar with Dupatta/Half Saree.
Specials: Every Day morning at 5.00 “Nirmalya pooja” takes place and devotees have an opportunity to see the Swayamboo Lingam. Around 50% of devotees are from Kerala and remaining from Karnataka, Tamilnadu and other other parts of country.
Temple around Attractions:
Kodachadri is the main attractions of Kollur temple. A Must visit place for all.
5) Kukke Subramanya
The village Subramanya located with the banks of River Kumaradhara at the foot of famous trek trail Kumara parvatha of western ghats range, The temple is famous for adobe of Naga Doshas, This temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya.
History: According to the Skanda Purana, Garuda (King of Eagles) was hunting for snakes and found Snake - king Vasuki. Garuda tried to kill Vasuki with his mighty claws & beak, fortunately at the same time the great sage Kasyapa Muni was travelling and saw the fight and told Garuda to not to kill the Snake king Vasuki as he is a great follower of lord Shiva, you can go to Ramanaka islands (modern day Fiji) for hunting and fulfill your hunger. Kasyapa Muni suggested Vasuki to take shelter in Kumara parvatha & pray for lord Shiva.
On the other hand, Lord Shiva sons Shanmukha & Ganesha reached Kumara parvatha after killing demons Tarakasura, Shurapadmasura and their followers. Indra being very happy for demons death, he offered Shanmukha to marry his daughter, Lord Shanmukha accepted the same. Marriage happened with great celebration, many holy waters brought form heaven and used in marriage. These waters are mixed with the river Dhara in Kumara parvatha and became sacred Kumara Dhara river. Lord Shanmukha found Snake king Vasuki and blessed him for his honest pray for Lord shiva and kept him with his side always there on.
So the place Kukke Subramanya became famous for “Sarpa-Dosha” and Snake - king Vasuki stays here always and grants devotees request who worships Lord Shanmukha.
Location: Sullia district, Karnataka
How to reach
By Road: Subramanya can be reached by road easily, which is 280 km from Bangalore. The best Route option is Bangalore – Hassan – Gundya - Subramanya.
There are so many direct buses available from Bangalore very frequently everyday. From the Normal buses to AC Volvo buses also available from Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore etc.,
By Train: Kukke Subramanya road railway station is the nearest station, Direct Trains available from Bangalore. Buses or taxis available from this place which is just 7 km from temple. The best rail track trek route Edakamuri comes in this way. The train passes through a number of tunnels in western ghat hill station and its one among most beautiful train routes in Karnataka.
By Air: Nearest Airport is Mangalore. Buses or private taxis will be available from Mangalore frequently, Kollur is 100 km from here.
Temple timings: 6.30 Am to 1.30 Pm and 3.30 Pm to 8.00 Pm
These Photos taken around at famous “Kumara Parvatha trek” in which Kukke Subramanya village is the base camp.
Accommodation: Around the temple premises there are many guest houses/hotels available. The rooms are clean, Hygienic and with basic necessities and utilities. The rooms are ranging from 300 Rupees to 6000 Rupees depending on facilities. Booking facility available online.
Food: Kolluru offers a Free Prsadham to devotees,
11.30 Am to 2:00 Pm & 7.30 Pm to 9.30 Pm.
Also there are various Hotels in & around the temples.
Notes: Dress Code for Men - Subramanya Temple Dress Code for Men are White Panche, Dhoti/Kurta, Pyjama, Shirt and Pant.
Dress Code for Female - It is recommended to wear decent apparel. Saree with blouse/Punjabi Dress with Dupatta/Chudidhar with Dupatta/Half Saree.
Specials: The temple is famous for Naga dosha poojas, its the only temple where devotees come to get relief from Serpents as per localities.
Temple around Attractions:
A root temple is located beside the main temple, which is a must visit for all devotees.
6) Siganduru
This place is a beautiful small village located at river Sharavathi in the Western Ghats range & the temple is dedicated to the goddess Chowdeshwari, Mother choudeshwari is called as “Sigandureshwari”.
History: Idol of mother Sigandureshwari is very old but it is found in bank of holy Sharavathi River 300 years ago.
Location: Sagar Taluk, Shivmogga District, Karnataka.
How to reach
By Road: Sigandur can be reached by road easily, which is 450Km from Bangalore. Bangalore – Chitradurga – Shivmogga – Sagar - Sigandur is the best route option,
Important information is We have to cross the Sharavathi River to reach Sigandur and which is via Ferry service only, There are two ferry which carry vehicles as well as people from one end of shore to other which is 2km journey, The starting point of the ferry is at Holebagilu (Which is 35km from Sagar), When the crowd is too much it is advisable to park vehicles here and travel in ferry and come back.
Ferry Timings from Holebagilu to Sigandur: Morning 8-00, 9-15, 10-15, 11-30, Afternoon 1-30, 2-45, Evening 4-00, 4-40, 5-30, Ferry fee – 10 Rupees per person and Time taken is 10-15min. From the other side of the shore local buses or Taxis will also be available to reach temple which is 5km. Sagar – Holebagilu (Ferry Point) – Sigandur = 41km
If you miss to catch the Ferry there is one more road to reach Sigandur. The road conditions are good. This route does not required any Ferry service. Hosanagar – Nagara – Nittur – Tumari – Sigandur = 120km
There are direct buses from Bangalore to SIgandur and Shivmoga/Sagara to Sigandur but are limited, it is advisable to reach this place by private taxis or self-drive cars.
By Train: Talaguppa railway station is the nearest station, Direct Trains available from Bangalore. Buses or taxis available from Talaguppa to Sigandur but are limited.
By Air: Nearest Airport is Mangalore. Buses or private taxis will be available from Mangalore. Sigandur is 180km from here.
Temple timings: Morning: 3.30 to 7.00, Morning: 8.00 to 2.30, Evening: 5.30 to 7.30
Accommodation: Around the temple promises there are only limited facilities available with rooms, it is necessary to book first if you’re planning to stay there. But to get fresh up the temple has good facilities.
Food: Limited Hotels available around the temple, But the temple provides Free Prasadam Meals.
Afternoon Prasadam from 12:00pm to 3:30pm & Night Prasadam from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Notes: It is our culture to wear Traditional dresses to Temples. We should respect our culture first.
Specials: Annaual Festival (Jathre) is held on Every Makara Sankranthi day of the year which is on January.
Temple around Attractions: Experience the ferry ride, its so peaceful and Landscape around the sharavathi river backwaters are mind blowing, enjoy the beautiful sunset.
7) Sirsi Shri Maarikamba Temple
Right in the center of the Sirsi town, A temple is dedicated to the greatest Eight armed goddess Durga riding on a tiger worshiped as Shri Maarikmba. This place is surrounded by western ghats beauty with many water falls explore.
History: The Goddess idol was found on the outskirts of town in 16th century and bought into town for worship and installed at 1688. The temple also called “Doddamma” temple, because Doddamma means elder sister, and Maarikamba is elder of all Durga maathas.
Location: Sirsi District, Karnataka.
How to reach
By Road: Sirsi can be reached by road easily, which is 400 km from Bangalore. The best Route option is Bangalore – Tumkur – Davanagere - Haveri - Sirsi.
There are many direct buses available from Bangalore very frequently everyday. From the Normal buses to AC Volvo buses also available from Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore etc.,
By Train: Nearest railway stations are Haveri (75 km), Kumta (60 km) & Talaguppa (55 km) in all 3 directions, Direct trains available from Bangalore to these places, Many buses will be available to reach Sirsi from these places.
By Air: Hubli is the nearest Airport facility. Direct flights available from Bangalore. Buses or private taxis will be available from Hubli frequently, Sirsi is 120 km from Hubli.
Temple timings: 6.00 Am to 9.00 Pm for Dharshan. 8.00 Am to 9.00 Pm for Seva.
Accommodation: Since the temple is at the middle of the Sirsi district, Around the temple premises there are many guest houses/hotels available. The rooms are clean, Hygienic and with basic necessities & utilities. The rooms are ranging from 300 Rupees to 2000 Rupees depending on facilities. Booking facility available online.
Food: Sirsi Maarikamba temple offers a Free Prsadham to devotees, Time : 1.00 Pm to 2:30 Pm.
Also there are various Hotels in & around the temples.
Notes: Dress Code for Men - White Panche, Dhoti/Kurta, Pyjama, Shirt and Pant.
Dress Code for Female - It is recommended to wear decent apparel. Saree with blouse/Punjabi Dress with Dupatta/Chudidhar with Dupatta/Half Saree.
Specials: Usually Maarikamba fairs are followed by animal sacrifice. The uniqueness of Sirsi Maarikamba fair is the fair passes off without animal sacrifice.
Temple around Attractions: The walls of the temple is covered with Kavi art, which is the main attractions of the temple.
If you need any assistance/Travel plans to visit these places, please leave your comments here, will respond as early as possible