Kali temples in Karnataka hold a special place in the hearts of devotees, offering a blend of spiritual power, age-old traditions, and vibrant festivals. From coastal towns to historic cities, these temples honour Goddess Kali and her fierce forms, believed to protect and bless those who seek her. In this guide, you’ll find a clear list of seven famous Kali temples in Karnataka, along with their histories, legends, festival highlights, dress codes, and travel tips — everything you need to plan your visit and experience the rich culture connected to these sacred places.
Kempamma Temple
Kempamma is worshipped as a fierce form of Goddess Kali, believed to guard devotees from harm. The temple has a strong local following and a simple, powerful atmosphere.
Banashankari Amma Temple – Badami
Banashankari Amma is worshipped as a powerful form of Durga/Kali, protecting devotees and the town. The temple blends ancient Chalukyan heritage with living folk traditions.
Karumariamma Temple – Mathikere
Karumariamma is venerated as a fierce mother-goddess, closely linked with Kali traditions in Bengaluru. The temple’s jatre brings the neighbourhood together in devotion and music.
Durgaparameshwari Temple – Kateel
Set on a small islet in the Nandini River, Kateel’s deity carries the fierce energy of Shakti, akin to Kali. Daily rituals and Yakshagana shows make evenings especially divine here.
Shri Kanaka Durga Temple – Koppal
Kanaka Durga is revered as a protective mother, with traditions that overlap with Kali worship. Festive days see long queues and vibrant decorations across the town.
Mahakali Temple – Gokarna
This coastal shrine honors Goddess Mahakali, protector of the region and travellers. The vibe is simple and devotional, close to the main Mahabaleshwar Temple.
Shri Mahakali Temple – Adur
A beloved village temple where Mahakali is the guardian deity for coastal communities. The annual jatra fills the area with music, lights, and traditional rituals.
Interesting Facts
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Kempamma Temple – Bengaluru
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Local belief says the goddess appeared in a devotee’s dream and instructed them to build her shrine, which led to the temple’s origin.
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Banashankari Amma Temple – Badami
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The deity is worshipped in the Rahukala (inauspicious time) here — unlike most temples, where this time is avoided.
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Karumariamma Temple – Mathikere
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Tuesdays are considered the most powerful day here, with long queues forming from early morning for Kumkum Archana.
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Durgaparameshwari Temple – Kateel
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The temple stands on a small island in the middle of the Nandini River, reachable by short bridges from both sides.
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Shri Kanaka Durga Temple – Koppal
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During Navaratri, devotees bring Shami leaves to the temple, believing it brings prosperity and success in work.
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Mahakali Temple – Gokarna
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This temple is part of the larger Mahabaleshwar Temple complex rituals during Maha Shivaratri, with both deities taken out in processions.
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Shri Mahakali Temple – Adur
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The annual Jatra Mahotsava here draws not only locals but also coastal traders who come to seek blessings before their fishing season.
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General Poojas at Kali Temples in Karnataka
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Abhisheka: A sacred bath for the goddess using water, milk, honey, sandal paste, and flowers, symbolising purification and devotion.
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Alankara: Dressing the idol in colourful silk clothes, adorning with gold ornaments, and adding fresh flower garlands to honour the deity’s beauty and power.
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Archana: Offering flowers and kumkum while chanting 108 or 1000 names of the goddess to seek blessings for health, protection, and prosperity.
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Naivedya: Presenting cooked rice, payasam, laddus, or local sweets to the deity before distributing as prasadam to devotees.
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Mangalarati: Lighting camphor and waving lamps in circular motions before the idol, accompanied by temple bells and conch sounds to spread positive energy.
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Special Ritual Days:
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Tuesdays & Fridays – More elaborate poojas, especially Kumkum Archana, as these days are considered highly auspicious for goddess worship.
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Amavasya – Special prayers believed to remove obstacles and negative influences.
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Navaratri & Kalaratri – Grand celebrations with unique decorations, cultural performances, and large community feasts.
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Festival Dates & Ritual Highlights
| Temple | Festival | Month | Ritual Highlight |
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| Kempamma Temple | Kempamma Jatre | Jan–Feb | Processions, music |
| Banashankari Amma | Banada Hunnime, Rathotsava | Jan–Feb | Chariot festival |
| Karumariamma Temple | Karumari Jatre | Mar–Apr | Traditional dance & offerings |
| Durgaparameshwari – Kateel | Navaratri | Sep–Oct | Kalaratri Puja |
| Kanaka Durga – Koppal | Navaratri | Sep–Oct | Shami Puja |
| Mahakali – Gokarna | Maha Shivaratri | Feb–Mar | Combined Shiva–Kali rituals |
| Mahakali – Adur | Jatra Mahotsava | Jan | Coastal rituals & community feasts |
Note: Festival schedules can change based on the lunar calendar. Check locally before visiting.
Kempamma Temple
Banashankari Amma
Karumariamma Temple
Durgaparameshwari – Kateel
Kanaka Durga – Koppal
Mahakali – Gokarna
Mahakali – Adur
Note: Festival schedules follow the lunar calendar and may vary by year and temple.
More Kali Temples in Karnataka
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Bhadrakali Temple – Gokarna
Located near the main Mahabaleshwar Temple, this shrine is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, believed to have protected Gokarna from invaders. The temple has a peaceful coastal setting. -
Kempamma Temple – Yelahanka, Bengaluru
A smaller but deeply revered temple, where locals believe the goddess wards off illness and evil influences. Tuesdays see special poojas and higher footfall. -
Mahakali Temple – Kundapura, Udupi District
A coastal shrine known for its unique blend of folk traditions and classical Devi worship. Festivals here often include traditional Yakshagana performances. -
Sri Kalika Devi Temple – Savadatti (Near Saundatti Yellamma)
Dedicated to Kalika Devi, a fierce form of the goddess, this temple is less known to outsiders but popular among local devotees during Navaratri. -
Shri Durga Parameshwari Temple – Belthangady
This temple honours a fierce Shakti form, often associated with Kali, and is surrounded by lush greenery, adding to its serene spiritual vibe.