Karnataka, prior called as the state of Mysore, is situated in the southwest region of India with Arabian Sea Coastline. There are different historical underpinnings behind the naming of the state as Karnataka. Notwithstanding, it is trusted that the karanataka is the combination of two words “Karu” and “area” which signifies ‘elevated land’. Loaded with legacy, hues, societies, waterfalls, caves, temples, nature, wildlife, flavors, scenes, beaches, and unending excellence, Karanataka is one amongst the most commended states in India.
| Capital : | Bangalore |
| Established on : |
1 November 1956 |
| Area Rank : |
7th |
| Official language : |
Kannada |
| Population Rank : |
8th |
| Literacy : |
75.60% |
| Bordered By : |
Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala |
UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka:
1. Group of Monuments at Hampi: Situated in the Indian state of Karnataka, the village of Hampi during its time was one of the biggest and the wealthiest cities on the globe. Hampi inside the ruins of the city of Vijayanagara empire has introduced itself to be an important spot of religious centre which including the wonderful Virupaksha Temple and a few monuments to adore dating to the old golden past of the city. Spread over a range of 26 square kilometers, the remnants now recorded as the ‘Group of Monuments at Hampi’ under the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
→Location: Ballari, Karnataka, India
→Built in: 14th and 16th century
→Declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in: 1986
Virupaksha Temple: It is a standout amongst the most revered temples in the locale and is known for its sacredness for over hundreds of years. The temple was named after Lord Shiva who here is known as Virupaksha. Virupaksha temple is similarly sort after by the vacationers and pioneers.
2. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal: Pattadakal is a World Heritage site located in Karnataka. It lies on the banks of Malaprabha River in Bagalkot district. It is well known for Chalukya monuments. It is a village and a famous tourist location in the state. Many temples are present overthere at different locations and with all different architecture ( including Chalukya Dravidian Style, Nagara Style and some are in mixed style). It is a great centre of Chalukya art and architecture which in well known for its temples and inscriptions.
Pattadakal, also represents some of the UNESCO World Heritage Site including various temples bulit in 8th century with their different Nagara Style, Dravidian Style and Vesara Style of Hindu Temple architecture. These temples all together make Pattadakal a UNESCO World Heritage Site:
→Location: Bagalkot, Karnataka, India
→Built in: 8th century
→Declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in: 1987
Virupaksha Temple: This is the largest and the grandest of all temples present in Pattadakal built in 8th Century. This temple was built by Queen Lokamahadevi in honour of her husband’s victory against the Pallavas of Kanchi. This temple is rich in sculptures and acrhitecture. This temple has a sanctum, an inner passage, pillared navaranga and triple entrances from three directions and a huge gateway in front along with a small gateway from behind. It has a fine large stone bull, which acts as a mega attraction for tourists.
Sangameshvara Temple: This is the oldest temple in Pattadakal which was bulit by Chalukya King. This temple is built in Dravidian style and it contains a Sanctum, Inner passage and navaranga. The Sanctum and Inner passage is connected with a passage which has several lattices of different design. Both of the Sangamesvara temple and the Virupaksha temple are similar to each other in shape and design from base to sikhara.
ChandrashekharaTemple: SItuated in the left of Sangameshwara Temple, the Chandrashekhara Temple has Garbhagriha with enshrined Lord Shiva. The temple has a private proprietorship yet is held by numerous individuals in the meantime.
MallikarjunaTemple: Built by the second ruler of Vikramaditya in the back 745 AD, the temple is a little form of Virupaksha Temple planned in the Dravidian style of architecture. All the 18 pillars of the temple are portrayed with the stories of Mahabharata, Ramayana and other Hindu legends. The walls of the temple are likewise carved perfectly in the icons of Hindu God and Goddess.
Kasivisvesvara Temple: The temple was constructed in the the mid eighteenth century by Rashtrakutas in the Chalukya style of architecture. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva who is residing in the form of Shiva Linga. The other holy place is devoted to Surya seating on a chariot drawn by seven horses.
Galaganatha Temple: Built in the Rekha Nagara Prasada style of architecture in the early 8th century, the templa is one amongst the holy sites in the region. The model of the Lord Shiva in the temple is in the stance of Anadhakasura (a devil).
Kadasiddheswara Temple: The Kadasiddheswara Temple standing on a plinth was additionally built in the Rekha Nagar Style of architecturing in the mid seventh century. The beautifully cut pictures of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, River Goddess, Ardhanariswara and many other is a gala to eyes.
Jambulinga Temple: Jambulinga Temple located behind Galanganatha Temple has a sanctum with a navaranga and a shukanasa. The sculptures of Vibhadra and Nandi are arranged at the entryway of Shukanasa in which there is Linga.
Papanatha Temple: This temple is built in Vesara Style. Earlier, it was started in Nagara Style but later it changed to Dravidian Style. Sculptures here tells you more about the scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharatha. Amorous couples and decorative carvings are made to give this temple a more different look and architecture.
Jain Temple: Built in the Dravidian style of architecture by Rashtrakutas empire of Manyakheta, the Jain Narayan Temple has some delightfully outlined models which are accepted to be dating from ninth century. These figures were built by either King Amoghavarsha I or his child Krishna II.