Famous Shiva Temples in Karnataka

List of 12 famous Shiva temples in Karnataka. Shiva also known as Mahadeva is one of the important Hindu gods worshiped in Karnataka. Among the famous Hindu temples in Karnataka, the number of Shiva temples tops the list. Here are some of the most important and must visit Shiva temples in Karnataka. 

Shiva Temples in Karnataka

1. Mahabaleshwar Temple in Gokarna, Karanataka

The temple is regarded as one of the most holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, according to several Hindu puranas. Mahabaleshwar Temple is also one of the 7 sacred Muktikshetras or Muktistala in Karnataka. 

2. Kadri Manjunath Temple in Mangalore, Karanataka

The temple of Manjunatheshwara on the hills of Kadri is a historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. The Lokeshwara bronze statue of the Kadri Manjunatha Temple is regarded as the best bronze statue in India. 

3. Bhimambika Temple in Itagi, Karanataka

Also known as Bheemavva Temple, this is a famous Mutt and temple sitauted in Itagi town in Gadag District of Karnataka. The temple is situated just 13 km away from the famous pilgrimage destination Kalakaleshwara Temple at Gajendragad. 

4. Bhoganandiswara Temple and Arunachaleswara Temple Complex, Karanataka

The beautifully carved and dedicated twin Hindu temples complex dedicated to Lord Shiva is a protected monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India. Bhoganandishwara and Arunachaleswara temples complex is situated in Nandi village, at the base of Nandi Hills, in Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka.

5. Chalukya Shiva Temple in Aihole, Karanataka

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also known as Lad Khan Temple. This is one of the oldest Hindu temples in in the group of monuments at Aihole, Karnataka. The 8th century Durga Temple in Aihole is located near by. 

6. Tarakeshwara Temple in Hangal, Karanataka

Tarakeshvara Temple is an anciet Hindu temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built during the reign of Chalukya dynasty. Tarakeshwara Temple in Hangal is a listed monument of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). 

Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna

7. Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple in Dakshina Kannada, Karanataka

The 800 year old Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Temple is dedicated to Manjunatha (Lord Shiva) and Goddess Ammanavaru (Goddess Parvati). The uniquiness of the temple is that the priests in the temple are Madhwa Brahmins while the temple is run by a Jain Bunt family called the Pergades. 

8. Dodda Basaveshwara Temple in  Kurugodu, Karanataka

Kurugodu Sri Dodda Basaveshwara Temple is noted for housing the unique murti of lord Panchamukhi Veerabhadraswami. The temple is located in Bellary district of Karnataka.

9. Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Temple in Bangalore, Karanataka

Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Temple is located in Omkar Ashram, in Omkar Hills, Bangalore. The temple is famous for enshrining the 12 Jyotirlingas shrines. 

10. Iswara Temple in Jalasangvi village, Karnataka

Iswara Temple is located in Bidar district of Karnataka. The temple is known by various other names such as Kamalishwara temple, Kamaleshwara temple, Kalleshwara temple. Eshwara temple is situated 10 km north-west of Humnabad Taluk in Bidar. 

11. Chandramauleshwara Temple in in Unkal (Hubballi), Karnataka

Chandramouleshwara Temple is a 11th-century Shiva temple and is a Monument of National importance and with Chalukyan architecture. 

12. Panchalingeshwara Temple at Hooli, Karnataka

This is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located at Hooli, one of the oldest villages in the Belgaum District (Belagaavi District) in Karnataka. The temple is a protected monument under Archaeological Survey of India.