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Karnataka is
well known for its popularity among pilgrims and tourists both.
The reason
behind this fact is this state has very deep spiritual roots and as
well as it has been a state of various royal dynasties which liked to
make temples.
The land of
Karnataka is a profusion of sacred shrines and ancient temples which
are still withstanding the time. There is a huge number of temples
which are spread across the breadth and length of Karnataka.
These temples
are not only known for religious aspect but also for magnificent
architecture.
In few words,
there have been mainly two reasons behind the large number of temples
in Karnataka.
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Religious
Kings
There has been a
very long series of royal dynasties in Deccan plateau including
Kadambas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Gangas and Vijayanagara Kings. It is not
to surprise but a fact that most of the prominent kings were religious
and that’s why they took enormous interest in making temples.
Each of above
mentioned kingdom is known for starting a specific branch of temple
architecture. While Chalukyas of Badami are known for caves which are
made after cutting the rocks, the Hoysalas Kings built the temples
based on platforms which and star shaped.
Roots
of spiritualism
Karnataka has been
the land of spiritualism and that’s why it has been a home for scholars
and spiritual leaders including Adi Shankaracharya and Saint
Basaveshwara.
These dignities also have played a huge role behind the establishment
of temples and holy shrines.
Some of the
prominent temples
Chennakeshava
Temple of Belur is an excellent example of temple
architecture of hoysalas. This temple was built in 1117 AD by King
Vishnuvardhan after his victory over Cholas in battle of Talikad.
Gavi
Gangadhareshwara Temple was constructed by Kempe Gowda
in 16th century who was also the founder of Banglore. He built this
temple to express gratitude after he was relesed from five-year
imprisonment.
Mahabaleshwar
Temple is in Gokarna which is in Uttara Kannada
District. It is among seven Mukti Sthalas of the state and is a very
popular pilgrimage site.
Pattabhirama
Temple is also a pilgrimage site in ruined city of
Hampi. Along with Vitthala temple and Virupaksha temple, this
Pattabhirama temple is the example of temple building style of
Vijayanagara rulers.
Hoysaleshwara
Temple, Madhukeshwara Temple, Mookambika
emple,Shrikanteshwara temple, Vidyashankara Temple and Someshwara
Temple are other famous temples of Karnataka which not only popular but
among most visited temples as well.
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