Madhukeshwara Temple

 Website:  Madhukeshwara Temple | Lord Shiva Temple | Banavasi 

The Madhukeshwara temple gets its name from the honey-hued Shiva Lingam inside the sanctum. The temple dates back to the 9th century and hence is one of Karnataka’s oldest temples. It was commissioned by Mayura Sharma from the Kadamba dynasty.

This was the first royal dynasty of Karnataka. After the Kadamba reign was the Chalukya era and the Hoysala period. Additions and renovations were made to the temple by rulers from both periods. Thus, in a way the temple showcases how architectural styles in Karnataka have changed over the years.