Temples of Karnataka

Temples of Karnataka form the amalgamation of various shailis or varieties of architecture prevalent in various periods . The architectural designs have found a distinguished place in forming a true atmosphere of devotion for the spiritual attainment.

Architectures

* Hoysala Architecture
* Badami Chalukya Architecture
* Vijayanagara architecture
* Dravidian Architecture
* Western Chalukya Architecture
* Badami Cave Temples
* Rashtrakuta style.
* Ganga Architecture

The temples normally do follow few common norms like
* Nandi sculpted in black stone at the entrance of temple symbolic of the start of divine place and temple area.
* Pushkarani with neatly sculpted steps can be seen for temple devotees travelling from far places to take a breather and cleanse. The pushkarani is a square shaped construction which has proper arrangements to keep the water not stagnated but flowing.
* Gopura which marks the entrance of temple.
* Garbhagudi (garbha meaning womb in Sanskrit/Kannada) or "sanctum sanctorum" which can be of various size and shapes according to architecture.
* Vigraha of the God prominently always of black stone inside garbha gudi.

Apart from these garbha gudi may be placed on elevated place made of stone foundation where artists may find place to practice and display devotional sangeetha and naatya.

Normally oldest temples are built on hill tops where people view God being placed on top of all in the midst of prakruthi / nature. The steps to reach the top are also carefully carved on rocky hills as most of the hard stone mountains rocks contain water in them. ShivaGange is one such example.Other hill places where temple is surrounded by serene hill mountain include Chamundeshwari Hills , Mahadeshwara Hills ,Biligiriranga Hills and Kodachadri Hills.

The Temples and Practices

The temples of Dakshina Kannada have practice of not allowing a worn dress inside them for males. They can drape over a cloth wearing a Panchey. This practise is specially found in the temples in Dakshina Kannada which lies between Western ghats and Arabian Sea. It is seen quite favourable due hot and humid climate all round the year. Kollur , Kukke ,Dharmasthala ,Sringeri, Horanadu, Karkala, Murudeshwara and Gokarna are some of the most famous temples known for devotees thronging all through the year.

Temples in Udupi represent the dvaitha philosophy, and are mostly run by Priests of Ashta Matha. The Sri Krishna temple features the Kanakana kindi or Kanaka's Window, a small peephole in the wall of the temple through which a statue of the great Indian saint Kanaka Dasa may ve viewed.

Temples in Sringeri represent the advaitha philosophy of Adi Shankara. Being one of oldest institutions of Sanskrit learning Sringeri Shaarada Peetha is indeed seen as abode of Saraswati and holds a very prominent place in the history of learning and hearts of Kannadigas.

North Karnataka temples represent the old glory of Kingdoms with some rituals still practised in some but retain some of the magnificently sculpted temples.They include the shaasana or inscriptions which depict the various periods and their importance in history.

Most temples have formless definition of murthy - a stone a Lingam for denoting any God as a worshipping idol.