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Temples/
Pilgrimages/ Places of worship in
Karnataka
Ugra
Narasimha Temple :-
The gigantic 8/9 metres tall image of Ugra Narasimha is located in
the south of the Hemakuta group of temples that includes the
Virupaksha Temple. The Narasimha is a four-armed figure seated
under the canopy of a seven-hooded snake.
Beyond the Krishna Temple Complex is the celebrated but badly
damaged sculpture of Narasimha, carved out of a single boulder.
The recent discovery of the detached figure of Lakshmi identified
this massive sculpture as Yoga Lakshmi Narasimha.
Now in a damaged state, the awesome image depicts the benign
aspect of the god since a part of the right hand goddess Lakshmi
skirts around the Narasimha suggesting that goddess Lakshmi was
originally seated on his lap. The monolith s disfigured but its
significance is undisputed.
Hidimbeshwar Temple :
The Hidimbeshwara temple is the oldest temple the hill. The other
temples in the hill fort are those of Ekanathamma; Phalguneshwara,
Gopalakrishna, Anjaneya, Subbaraya and the Siddeswara.
A huge kettle-drum, in one of the temples, 6 feet in height and 10
feet in circumference is said to be Bhima's. Walk across to the
stones that ground the gunpowder for Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan.
Cave Temples :-
Badami town is best known for its beautiful cave temple, cut into
the cliff face of a red sandstone hill. They display the full
range of religious sects which have developed in India. Two of
them are dedicated to Vishnu, one to Shiva and the fourth is a
Jain temple. There's also one natural cave which is a Buddhist
temple.
Shravanabelagola :-
51 kms southeast of Hassan, this is one of the most important Jain
pilgrim centers. Here is the 17 m high monolith of Lord Bahubali -
the world's tallest monolithic statue. Thousands of devotees
congregate here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka -a spectacular
ceremony held once in 12 years, when the 1000 -year- old statue is
anointed with milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins. The next
Mahamastakabhisheka will be held in 2005 A.D. Shravanabelegola is
158 kms from Bangalore.
ISKCON Temple :-
The ISKCON Temple was built recently by the International Society
for Krishan Consciousness. As you climb the granite steps you will
encounter three small shrines before the main temple. The three
idols of Lord Krishna in the main shrine are made of brass.
Hoysaleswara Temple : -
This temple is one of the most remarkable examples of Hoysala art.
The interior and the exterior walls of the temple are covered with
intricate sculptures depicting the various Hindu gods, sages,
stylised animals and birds, and friezes portraying the life of the
Hoysala rulers.
The temple is set in a well-maintained garden adjacent to which is
a museum containing a collection of fine sculptures. Inspite of
the fact that construction of the temple started in the year 1121
(Approx.) and there was 80 monotones years of labour the temple
was never completed. Among the other famous temples of Halebid are
the Kedareswara and Jain temple.
Chennakeshava Temple : -
tThe Channekeshava Temple at Belur was constructed in the year
1116 to celebrate the victory of the Hoysala's over the Cholas at
Talakad. Intricate carvings can be found on the interiors of the
temple. The sensational seven storied gopuram is exceptionally
beautiful with some breathtaking sculptures explicitly depicting
the apres-temple activities of dancing girls. The temple is
enclosed in a paved compound with a well and a bathing tank. Among
others temples of Belur are the Channigaraya and the Viranarayana
Temples
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