In Hinduism, a special importance is given to goddesses. The word 'Shakhti' which indicates 'ultimate power' is associated with goddesses. In India, goddesses are also equally revered like gods. Perhaps, considered even more fearful than the male gods. Goddess is said to depict many facets of a woman, hence many avatars (forms) of goddesses are worshipped. In this article, let us go around the famous devi temples in Karnataka.
Sringeri Sharadamba Temple
Sri Sharadamba Temple or Sringeri Sharada Peetha was established by Adi Shankaracharya. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Sharada (Saraswathi) who is the 'Goddess of Knowledge' in Hinduism. Today, Sringeri is one of the top religious places in Karnataka.
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Kollur Mookambika Temple
Located amidst the beauty of the Western Ghats, the Mookambika Temple in Kollur is a famous temple in Karnataka. According to a legend, Goddess Mookambika will remain in Chottinakkara Temple during the morning and goes back to Kollur by the afternoon. It was Adi Shankaracharya's wish to invite her to Kerala and he performed a great penance to invite her there. Kollur Mookambika Temple in Udupi is one of the famous temples.
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Chamundeshwari Temple
Goddess Chamundeshwari is considered as the protector of Mysore city. Yes, the Chamundeshwari Temple at Chamundi Hills is one of the most popular goddess temples in Karnataka.
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Saundatti Yellamma Temple
Saundatti Yellamma, also known as Renuka Yellamma, is one of the most revered temples of North Karnataka. In this shrine, Yellamma is in the form of 'Fertility Goddess'.Saundatti or Saudatti is an old temple town in Belgaum district of Karnataka.
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Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple
Sigandur is a small village located on the banks of Linganamakki Reservoir. It is known for Chowdeshwari Temple. She is said to be a self-manifested deity. One has to either reach the temple by barge or another road which connects the temple. Sigandur is located in Sagar taluk of Shimoga.
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Hornadu Annapoorneshwari Temple
Goddess Annapoorneshwari is the deity of nourishment and food. She is someone who provides food for everybody. Sri Annapoorneshwari Temple located in Hornadu is one of the famous devi temples in Karnataka.
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Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple
Sri Durgaparameshwari shrine in the town of Kateel is regarded as a well-known place. Here goddess Durga is the prime deity of the temple. Kateel or Kateelu is a temple town at Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka.
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Mangaladevi Temple in Mangalore
It is said that the name Mangalore is derived from Sri Mangaladevi Temple. According to the legend, this temple was established by Lord Parashurama. Today, it is located in the locality of Bolara at Mangalore.
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Badami Banashankari Devi Temple
Goddess Banashankari is believed to be another form of Goddess Parvathi. The Banashankari Devi Temple near Badami belongs to the era of Chalukhyas. Here the deity is also called as Shakambari.
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