About Kamala Narayana Temple, Degaon
The Kamala Narayana Temple stands in the village of Degaon, a few kilometres from Kittur in Belagavi district of northern Karnataka. It is dedicated to Vishnu as Narayana and is one of the finest surviving monuments of the Kadambas of Goa, who ruled parts of this region in the 12th century. The temple is not a large pilgrimage centre, but it is known among lovers of history and architecture for the quality of its carving.
According to its history, the temple was built in 1174 CE by the architect Tippoja for Kamala Devi, queen of the Kadamba king Shivachitta Permadi, and it takes her name. The emblems of the Kadamba dynasty on the facade panels link it firmly to the royal house. The queen is also remembered in the temple itself, where one of the shrines holds an image of her with attendants, a rare example of a royal patron being shown inside a temple.
The temple is a trikuta, with three shrines opening onto a shared hall. The first shrine has an image of Narayana, the second shows Lakshmi Narayana with the goddess seated on Vishnu's lap, and the third holds the image of Kamala Devi. The roof of the hall rests on richly carved pillars, with roaring lions, small towers and figures of women in graceful poses between them, and fine scroll work above. The best-known feature is the ceiling, carved as a giant lotus hanging downward. Stone panels along the front carry the Kadamba emblem and other figures.
Kamala Narayana Temple, Degaon timings
Usually open from morning to evening. Check locally before visiting.
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Kamala Narayana Temple, Degaon
By air
Belagavi Airport is about 45 km away; Hubballi Airport is about 60 km away.
By train
Dharwad and Belagavi stations are each about 45–55 km away.
By road
Degaon is a short drive from Kittur, which lies on the Pune–Bengaluru highway between Belagavi and Dharwad. Hire a taxi or auto from Kittur.
Festivals at Kamala Narayana Temple, Degaon
- Vaikuntha EkadashiDec/Jan
- Kittur Utsav (nearby)Oct
- World Heritage WeekNov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before entering the shrines.
- Entry
- Free.
- Bring a torch or use your phone light to see the carved ceiling in the hall.
- Combine the trip with Kittur Fort and the Kadamba temples at Halasi.
- Facilities in the village are basic; carry water.
- Ask locally for directions, as signboards are few.
Places to visit near Kamala Narayana Temple, Degaon
- Kittur FortFort and palace ruins of Rani Chennamma, about 5 km away
- Halasi templesKadamba-era temples including Bhuvaraha Narasimha, about 20 km away
- Belagavi FortHistoric fort with old temples and a Jain basadi, about 50 km away
Frequently asked questions
Who built the Kamala Narayana Temple?
It was built in 1174 CE for Kamala Devi, queen of the Goa Kadamba king Shivachitta Permadi, by the architect Tippoja.
What is special about the temple?
It has three shrines, finely carved pillars and a ceiling carved as an inverted lotus, and one shrine shows the queen herself.
Where is Degaon?
Degaon is a village near Kittur in Belagavi district, Karnataka.
Which deity is worshipped here?
Vishnu as Narayana, with Lakshmi Narayana in the second shrine.
What are the Kamala Narayana Temple, Degaon timings?
Usually open from morning to evening. Check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Kamala Narayana Temple, Degaon?
Modest clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before entering the shrines.
How to reach Kamala Narayana Temple, Degaon?
By air: Belagavi Airport is about 45 km away; Hubballi Airport is about 60 km away. By train: Dharwad and Belagavi stations are each about 45–55 km away. By road: Degaon is a short drive from Kittur, which lies on the Pune–Bengaluru highway between Belagavi and Dharwad. Hire a taxi or auto from Kittur.
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