Fabulous Pilgrimage Sites in Karnataka, India

Karnataka is one of the South Indian states which is rich in biodiversity and culture. Visiting any part of the state can leave you with splendid experiences to reminisce. More so if you are visiting the pilgrimage sites in Karnataka. The pilgrimage sites in Karnataka attract visitors of all religious faiths and those irreligious folks too. Many of these pilgrimage sites in Karnataka are listed by UNESCO or are in the Protected areas by the laws of the country. Centuries-old temples, churches, and mosques come under the umbrella of fabulous pilgrimage sites in Karnataka. Below are listed a few such pilgrimage sites in Karnataka.

Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib, Bidar

Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib is one of the most popular gurudwaras in South India. The historical shrine of Sikhs is constructed after the visit of Guru Nanak in the region between 1510-1514. He is said to have created a drinking water fountain for the local people who were greatly in need of a water source. Later, the place was known as ‘Nanak-Jhira’. Thereafter the Gurudwara was built. The Gurdwara comprises of the Darbar Sahib, Diwan Hall, and Langar Hall. Langar Hall is a community kitchen where free meals are served to devotees each day. There is a Sikh Museum that displays significant events related to the Sikh community. Guru Nanak Jayanti is the main feast here besides Holi and Diwali.

Srikrishna temple, Udupi

Udupi is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage sites in Karnataka. The location is famous for its beaches and temples. Among them, Sri Krishna Temple and Matta (monastery) which date back to the 13th century are sacred grounds for the devotees. The key uniqueness of this temple is that the presiding deity is not worshipped directly but through Navagraha Kitiki, a window with nine holes. The Dravidian-style temple complex includes three different temples. Around the main temple are a temple pond, a few monasteries, a reception hall, and a cow shed. You can also observe the Temple Chariot. The popular festival is Udupi Paryaya Utsava which occurs once every two years.

Sri Ranganthaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna

Ranganathaswamy Temple is an important ancient Hindu temple located in Srirangapatna. Deemed to be constructed in 984, the main deity here is Lord Ranganatha, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. The idol of Lord Vishnu in the sanctum in reclining posture is said to be one of the largest in such a position. An imposing tower that displays 24 forms of Lord Vishnu, multiple columned halls, and an atrium are a few notable attractions within. The architectural works of the temple resemble Vijayanagar and Hoysala styles. There are a few other small shrines within the complex.

Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna

The coastal town of Gokarna is famous for the Sri Mahabaleshwar Temple besides the pristine beaches. The sacred temple holds a place in Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Dravidian-style edifice was built with white granite stone during the Kadamba Dynasty in the fourth century. A stone-carved Shiva idol in a standing position is the main deity here. And a six-foot-tall Shiva Linga is another significant feature. However, only during Ashta Bandana Kumbhahishekam, a festival, the entire structure is open to public view.

St. Philomena’s Church, Mysore

St. Philomena’s Church situated in the heart of Mysore city is one of the prime spots no one misses while visiting Mysore. The foundation stone of the Neo-Gothic architectural style church was laid by the then Maharaja of Mysore, Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar in 1936. With the two tall spires soaring to a height of 175 feet, it is one of the tallest churches in Asia. The crypt in the church houses a statue of St. Philomena and the relic of the Saint is preserved in a catacomb below the main altar. Among the other attractions, stained glass windows are notable. These works depict scenes from the birth of Christ, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and the Ascension of Christ. The Mass in the church is said in different languages on different days owing to the flow of multilingual devotees.

St. Mary’s Basilica, Bangalore

The Gothic style Basilica is the oldest church in the city and the only one with the status of a minor basilica in the state. Built in the early 1800s, the basilica attracts a huge number of devotees throughout the year. The key attractions in the church include the bright and beautiful interior ornated with vaulted ceilings, Corinthian pillars, stained glass windows, and reliefs. The columns and tall spires make the edifice stand out. Although the local language is Kannada, most prayer services in the basilica is conducted in Tamil in honor of the Tamil people whose help was crucial in the early days. The annual feast of the Basilica is on 8th September, on the birthday of St Mary, and is attended by lakhs.

Jumma Masjid, Bangalore

It is the most popular and oldest mosque in Bangalore. Built by Haji Abdul Quddus during the Mughal reign in the late 1700s, the mosque is a captivating edifice. The architecture of the mosque is remarkable. Granite pillars, floral motifs, and twin ornamented minarets add charm to the structure. During the festival of Eid and Ramadan, the whole building is beautifully decorated and lit up. The death anniversary of Tipu called the ‘Tipu Urs’, also attracts a good number of devotees. With large globular domes and beautifully ornamented minarets with pigeonholes, the masjid is a famous landmark in the busy town.

Jama Masjid, Bijapur

The ancient city of Bijapur is made popular with the existence of the 16th-century mosque built during the Adil Shahi dynasty. It is the largest mosque in the region and stands out with exquisite features. The Hindu and Islamic styles of architectural works, domes, arches, minarets, and detailed calligraphy and carvings are worth noting. The spacious and spectacular interior that can house thousands of worshipers at a time is a distinctive feature. The hall is divided into 45 compartments with five inner arches. The Quran written in gold letters at the Masjid’s mihrab is a unique feature here.