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Although Shivakumar has consistently described these trips as personal acts of faith, political observers and supporters have often viewed them through a larger political lens.
Of all the temples associated with Shivakumar, the Kabbalamma temple holds the deepest personal significance.
Over the past several months, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s visits to the temple have attracted unusual media attention. While temple visits by politicians are common in Karnataka, the timing of many of these pilgrimages coincides with the frequent discussions around a possible leadership change in the Congress government, power-sharing arrangements and speculations over the future political role of the DKS.
Although Shivakumar has consistently described these trips as personal acts of faith, political observers and supporters have often viewed them through a larger political lens. His astrologer, Rajguru Dwarkanath, has also made public comments about auspicious dates and future leadership prospects, adding to the intrigue.
Here’s a detailed look at some of the major temples and religious institutions he visited during this politically sensitive period.
Kabbalamma Temple, Kabbalu, Bengaluru Rural
Of all the temples associated with Shivakumar, the Kabbalamma temple holds the deepest personal significance. Located at Kabbalu near Kanakapura, this temple is revered by Shivakumar and his family.
The temple became a major political symbol in October 2019 when Shivakumar visited it soon after his release from Tihar jail in a money laundering case. The visit was widely seen as both a prayer of thanksgiving and a symbolic political restart.
Over the years, he has repeatedly returned to the temple before elections, major political events and important personal milestones. During the recent round of speculation over Karnataka’s leadership, supporters were also seen offering special prayers at the temple, demanding a bigger role for him in the state government.
Kenkeramma Temple, Kanakapura
Kenakeramma Temple is another temple associated with the political and personal roots of Shivakumar in the Kanakapura area. It is said that he is the presiding deity of his family. His residence in Sadashivnagar, Bengaluru is also named after the deity – Kenkeri.
His visits here attracted attention during a time of political uncertainty and internal Congress discussions. The temple holds immense local significance among the communities of the region, making it an important spiritual stopover whenever Shivakumar returns to his constituency during important phases of his political journey.
Observers noted that whenever speculations over leadership equations resurface, visits to local deities like Kenkeramma often intensify.
Jagadishwari Temple, Andale, Ankola, Uttara Kannada
One of the most talked about recent trips was to the Jagadeeswari temple in Andale village near Ankola in Uttara Kannada district. He is said to have visited the temple in December 2025, allegedly on the advice of astrologers. From then till recently, daily resolutions were made in his name.
The purpose of regular puja was reportedly to remove the obstacles faced by them. It is also said that after the deity fell from his head he received *Hingara* (betel nut flower) as prasad, which the devotees interpreted as a sign of success in their prayers.
The visit attracted attention as it took place amid growing political discussions about a possible leadership change in Karnataka. Political observers noted that Shivakumar’s increased visits to temples in coastal and northern Karnataka coincide with renewed debate within the Congress about succession and future power-sharing arrangements.
Although it was officially described as a spiritual journey, it soon became part of the larger political narrative of Karnataka.
Ajayya Matha, Nonvinakere, Tumakuru District
Shivakumar’s visit to the historic Sri Kadsiddeswara Matha, popularly known as Ajjayya Matha, at Nonavinkere in Tumakuru district was seen as another important milestone in his spiritual expansion.
The monastery has considerable influence on many communities in central Karnataka. Political leaders from various parties have historically maintained close ties with the institution and its saints.
His visit came at a time when religious outreach and community engagement were becoming increasingly visible aspects of Karnataka’s political landscape. Whenever discussions about his future political role intensified, Shivakumar was seen visiting the Ajayya Matha branch in Bengaluru to seek blessings.
Madhyarangnath Temple, Shivanasamudra, Chamarajanagar
Madhyaranganath Temple at Shivanasamudra is one of the three famous Ranganath temples situated on the banks of river Kaveri.
Shivakumar’s visit to the temple attracted attention because it was part of a wide series of religious visits made during a politically significant period. This temple is revered throughout southern Karnataka and attracts thousands of devotees every year.
Political observers interpreted the visit as part of an effort to strengthen ties with influential religious centers while strengthening his image as a leader rooted in Karnataka’s traditional institutions.
Kamakhya Temple, Assam
Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati is one of the most important spiritual sites associated with Shivakumar’s recent temple circuit.
Dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, this temple is one of the most important Shakti Peethas in India and is often associated with powerful Tantric traditions and spiritual rituals.
Reports over the years suggest that Shivakumar visited Kamakhya following the advice of astrologers and spiritual guides. The visit generated considerable interest because it occurred during a period when speculation about his political future was particularly intense.
In political circles, Kamakhya has long been known as a destination where leaders come to seek blessings during uncertain or transitional phases of their careers.
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain
Among the most widely reported visits was Shivakumar’s visit to the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
He offered prayers at both the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga and the nearby Kalabhairava temple, participating in special rituals with family members. It is said that this journey along with the Kamakhya temple was done on the advice of Rajguru Dwarkanath Guruji, whom Shivkumar follows with great devotion.
The visit came at a time when speculations over the political future of Karnataka were once again in the news. Because Mahakaleshwar is one of the most prominent Jyotirlingas in the country and has historically attracted political leaders before major elections or important political decisions, the visit immediately became a topic of discussion in both political and media circles.
Why did these tours become a topic of political discussion?
In itself, temple visits by politicians are regular. What was most striking about Shivakumar’s travels was the frequency, timing and geographical spread of the temples included.
Apart from the temples listed above, DKS has also visited Mahabaleshwar Temple in Gokarna, Bhuvaranatha Swamy Temple in Mandya, Dharmasthala Sri Manjunatheshwara Temple and many other religious institutions across Karnataka.
Over the past three years, Shivakumar has visited hundreds of temples across India. From the Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir to the Rajarajeshwari temple in Kerala, which is known among devotees for the rituals that ward off negative influences, many have undertaken pilgrimages and offered various pujas and offerings.
The speculation was further heightened by repeated public statements by astrologer Rajguru Bellur Dwarkanath, who talked about favorable periods and important dates related to Shivakumar’s political future.
Supporters interpreted the temple visits as spiritual preparation for a greater political role, while critics saw them as symbolic political messaging designed to keep leadership negotiations alive.
However, Shivakumar has consistently said that the tours are a matter of personal faith. Yet in Karnataka’s highly symbolic political culture, each temple visit, special puja and interaction with influential religious institutions inevitably acquires much more political meaning than prayer.
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