 Temples of Uttara Kannada district are masterpieces of artwork, depicting the Kadamba and Hoysala style of architecture. Uttara Kannada is a district in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. This district is bounded on the northwest by the state of Goa, on the north by Belgaum District, on the northeast by Dharwad District, on the east by Haveri District, on the southeast by Shimoga District, on the south by Udupi District, and on the west by the Arabian Sea. Uttar Kannada District was primarily under Madras Presidency and subsequently came under Bombay Presidency.
Choleshwar Temple, Ramalinga Temple, Sri Arya Durga Temple, Durga Datta Mandir, Shirali Mahaganapati Mahamaya Temple, Sri Idagunji Vinayaka Devaru Gokarna Ganapati Temple, Shri Ganapati Mahamai Mahishasura Mardhini Temple and Sri Katyayini Baneshwara Temple are some of the important temples of Uttara Kannada district. Avadi Mutt, also known as Gopalkrishna Temple, is named after Avadibai (Laxmibai Narayan Ubhaya), a disciple of Shri RamaVallabh Das (a Maharashtrian saint). The temple enshrines Kaliamardan Moorti and a marble idol of Venugopal (lord Krishna playing on the flute) in standing position. Krishna Jayanti is celebrated in a majestic manner. Durga Datta Mandir and Shri Ganapati Temple are located nearby. Madhukeshwara Temple is one of the ancient temples of Uttara Kannada district and the only remnant of the ancient Kingdom of the Kadambas is the famous Madhukeshwara Temple of Banavasi. The entire life of the town revolves around this temple. Built in stone around 1,500 years ago, this temple was renovated with additional structures by later dynasties. The presiding deity of Madhukeshwara is Lord Shiva that was installed during the period of the first king of Kadambas. 
This temple displays the architectural styles of different dynasties. The architectural brilliance of the Kadambas is exposed in the Nagara Shikhara, and the Sankalpa mandapa in front reveals the sway of the Chalukyan style. The Nritya mandapa (the dancing hall) with beautiful carvings presents the architectural superiority of Hoysala period. The Garbhagriha is built in a very simple style with nominal carving on the door and the support. Shri Venkatraman Dev Temple is one of the popular temples of Uttara Kannada district, located in Kumta. Besides the presiding deities Lord Gopalkrishna and Venkatraman, other deities such as Lakshmi, Satyabhama and Mukhya Pran Dev are worshipped here.
Mahabaleshwar Temple, one of the most famous temples of Uttara Kannada district is also one of the seven Muktisthala shrines in Karnataka. The Atmalinga of this temple attracts thousands of devotees. The deity is a huge shivling, which according to myth, got rooted here when Ganesh set it down on the ground lord. Mahashivratri is of great significance in this shrine. Kollur Mookambika Temple is located near Gokarna. Also located around Gokarna are Sejjeshwara, Gunavanteshwara, Murudeshwara and Dhareshwara temples. These four temples along with Mahabaleshwar are known as the Pancha Maha Kshetras that are some of the most significant temples of Uttara Kannada district. Shri Gopalkrishna Temple is an ancient temple located at Sirsi in Uttara Kannada District. Devotees come from far and near to worship the main deity, Shri Krishna Vasudev. The important festivals associated with this temple are Jayanthi Festival, Shri Krishna Jayanti, Gopalkala and Anant Vrata Archana Pooja. Archaks answer questions and clears your doubts on every Thursday. Nearby attractions include Marikamba Temple. The temples of Uttara Kannada district draw almost thousands of devotees all round the year. (Last Updated on : 14-03-2015) |
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