Shakti Temples of Karnataka

Shakti, the goddess has been known in several popular names - Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Annapoorneshwari, Mookambika, Kali, Chamundi, Kamakshi, and countless more names.

'Shakti' is derived from the word Sak which means 'the ability to act.' It also refers to the cosmic energy that permeates through everything.

Goddess Bhuvaneswari, considered the Karnataka's guardian spirit. Chamundi of Mysore, another incarnation of Adi Shakti emerged as a result of killing the demons Chanda and Munda, has been the tutelary deity of the Wodeyars.

Some important Shakti Temples of Karnataka are

The Bhadrakarnika temple at Gokarna

Sri Banashankari Temple, Bangalore

Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple, Kateel

Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple, Bappanadu

Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple, Mandarti

Kadiyali Mahisha Mardhini Temple, Kadiyali near Udupi

Kali shrine at Ambalapadi in Udupi

Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple at Polali

Sri Chamundi Temple, Mysore

Sri Mookambika Temple, Kollur

Sri Mangalamba Temple, Mangalore

Sri Marikamba Temple, Sirsi

Sri Kolaramma Temple, Kolar

Sri Mahalasa Narayani at Kumta

Sri Kamakshi Temple at Hebbur near Kunigal

Renuka (Yellamma) Temple at Saundatti

Sri Mahishamardhini Temple, Neelavara