Karnataka is truly a "Land of Temples," where every stone whispers a story of the past. Built by the Kadambas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and the emperors of Vijayanagara, these temples continue to awe the world. Here are the details of five such historic temples:

1. Sri Virupaksha Temple, Hampi

When one thinks of Hampi, the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire immediately comes to mind. Located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, the Virupaksha Temple is one of Karnataka's oldest and most sacred shrines.

History & Engineering: It is said to have existed since the 7th century and became a major religious center during the Vijayanagara period. The temple's gopura (tower) stands approximately 160 feet tall. An architectural marvel here is a small hole that allows sunlight to enter and cast an inverted shadow of the main tower on the temple wall—a testament to the engineering brilliance of that era.

2. Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu

Located in Halebidu of Hassan district, this temple represents the pinnacle of Hoysala craftsmanship. It was built in the 12th century during the reign of King Vishnuvardhana. The exterior walls are adorned with thousands of intricate carvings depicting stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas. The Nandi idol here is carved from a single stone and is one of the largest in the world. Additionally, the temple pillars are polished to a mirror-like finish.

3. Sri Chennakeshava Temple, Belur

Often called the twin of Halebidu, the Chennakeshava Temple in Belur was built to celebrate a Hoysala military victory. It is famously known as the "Beauty in Stone." The main attractions are the Shilabhalikas (bracket figures) or Madanikas. The carvings of these beautiful figures are so delicate that there is enough space to pass a thread through the intricate details of their stone jewelry. The 'Bhuvaneshwari' art carved on the temple ceiling leaves tourists spellbound.

4. Vijaya Vittala Temple, Hampi

Another crown jewel of Hampi, the Vijaya Vittala Temple, represents the highest form of Vijayanagara architecture.

* Musical Pillars & Stone Chariot: The temple features 56 musical pillars that emit the seven notes of the musical scale (*Sa-Re-Ga-Ma-Pa*) when tapped gently with fingers. It is also home to the world-famous Stone Chariot, an iconic symbol of Indian tourism. Interestingly, the wheels of this stone chariot were originally designed to rotate.

5. Mukteshwara Temple, Chaudadhadanapura (Haveri)

Situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, this temple is an excellent example of the Kalyani Chalukya style of architecture.

* Precision: The carvings here are so precise that the stone is decorated with sculpture without leaving even a needle-point of empty space. The inscriptions found here shed light on Old Kannada history and the social systems of that time, making it the cultural pride of the Haveri district.

Best Time to Visit:

The months from November to February are the most ideal time to visit these parts of Karnataka, as the weather is pleasant for exploration.

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Architectural Marvels of Karnataka: 5 Ancient Temples You Must Visit

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