Karnataka

Karnataka has deep roots in spirituality and divinity. This Southwestern state is a land full of legends and tales, where are more than 34,000 temples in Karnataka. It has the second highest number of protected monuments in India, Hampi being one which houses the maximum of them, and was the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire. The world's largest monolith structure, the statue of Lord Gomteshwar in Shravanabelagola sees tens of thousands of pilgrims during the Mahamastakabhisheka festival every 12 years. Most temples in Karnataka were built during the 10th century and are dedicated to Lord Shiv along with Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna, and Nandi. Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple, Murudeshwara, Honnavar Idagunji Ganapathi Temple, Madhukeshwara Temple, Banavasi, Sirsi Sahasralinga, Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple, Moodabidri, Dharmasthala, Mangaluru Mangala Devi Temple, Mangaluru Kadri Manjunatha Temple, Mangaluru Kudroli Gokarnanatheshwara Temple, Mangaluru Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple, Mangaluru Kukke Sri Subrahmanya Temple, Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, Karkala, Kollur Mookambika Temple are some renowned temples among the 34,000 temples in the state.