Located in picturesque landscapes, the temples in Karnataka testify to the state’s deep-rooted spirituality and history. Embark on a divine journey as you explore awe-inspiring temples, which captivate travellers with their exquisite architecture, history and serenity.

Karnataka is famous for its rich cultural heritage with many ancient temples reflecting the architectural finesse and religious significance of bygone eras. Discover the beauty of Karnataka’s stunning temple architecture with visits to five of its awe-inspiring religious sites. Located in picturesque landscapes, they testify to the state’s deep-rooted spirituality and history. Embark on a divine journey as you explore awe-inspiring temples, which captivate visitors with their exquisite architecture and mystical serenity.

Doddabasappa Temple, Gadag
Located in the serene village of Dambal in Karnataka, the Doddabasappa Temple is an example of temple architecture in India, and a must-visit for anyone who appreciates art, architecture and history. It is renowned for its stellate (star-shaped) design, which is rare to see and a true engineering marvel. When you step inside, meticulously carved pillars greet you with legends from the Hindu Vedas and Puranas. The sanctum sanctorum and the shikhara together form a 24-pointed star, and Nandi, the bull and the vehicle of Lord Shiva, graces the entrance towards the east. Incidentally, Dambal, also known as Dharmapura and Dharmavolal in Hindu and Jain texts, was once a thriving town known for its fort and served as an important centre for education.

Brahma Jinalaya, Lakkundi
An excellent example of the Western Chalukya style, Brahma Jinalaya was built by Attimabbe, the wife of Nagadeva, who was a chieftain of the Chalukya king Ahavamalla. The temple is dedicated to Mahavira, the greatest of the Jain Tirthankaras. The temple has many interesting elements, including the Mahavira statue, which sits on a simhaasana (lion throne), outside the temple. Another fascinating feature is a large, monolithically carved four- headed Lord Brahma stands in the inner hall on a pedestal with lions, one of the iconographies of Jainism art. Do not miss the intricately carved doorframes in five parallel bands (panchasakha). The temple is built on a square plan and has an impressive five-storied vimana and a maha mandapa with richly carved pillars.

Located in picturesque landscapes, they testify to Karnataka’s deep-rooted spirituality and history. Embark on a divine journey as you explore awe-inspiring temples, which captivate visitors with their architecture and mystical serenity.

Trikuteshwara Temple, Gadag

This remarkable Shiva Temple was designed and built by the legendary architect Amara Shilpi Jakanachari during the Western Chalukya period. The temple’s exquisite features include three lingas mounted on the same stone which represent the Trimurthis-Lords Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu, and a shrine dedicated to the Goddess Saraswati. The temple’s decorative carved walls and pillars, stonework screens, and finely sculpted wall panels add to its architectural beauty. The primary shrine has three lingas representing the trinity on a single base, making it a unique sight.

Muskin Bhanvi, Lakkundi

Lakkundi is famous not just for its temples but also for its stunning stepwells, also known as kalyani or pushkarni. Among them, Muskin Bhanvi is an outstanding example of 11th century architectural ingenuity known as the Rani ki Vav of the South. This stepwell is situated adjacent to the Manikeshwara Temple and has a flight of steps leading to the water on its southern, eastern and western sides. The most notable feature of this structure is the attention to detail, symmetry and intricate carvings on the facades of the shrines that adorn its sides.

It is worth noting that the monuments in Lakkundi have been proposed for inclusion on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites by the State Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage.

The temple’s decorative carved walls and pillars, stonework screens, and finely sculpted wall panels add to its architectural beauty. The primary shrine has about three lingas representing trinity on a single base, making it a unique sight.

VeeranarayaSwami Temple, Belavadi
The Veeranarayana Temple, a breathtaking testament to to the Hoysala era, is one of five Pancha Narayana temples constructed by Hoysala king Bittideva. Nestled in the picturesque village of Belavadi in Chikkamagaluru district, the temple is a stone’s throw away from Halebid. This architectural marvel is
adorned with intricate designs and delicate carvings and reflects the fine craftsmanship of the Hoysala period. The temple’s stunning mandapas, ornate ceiling panels and roof, and bell-shaped pillars are a feast for the eyes. What sets the temple apart from other Hoysala temples in Karnataka is its unique setting of being surrounded by houses, some of which are close to the temple complex. This distinctive setting adds to the temple’s allure and unique character.

The most notable feature of the Rani ki Vava of the South is the attention to detail, symmetry and intricate carvings on the facades of the shrines that adorn its sides.