Karinjeshwara Temple (Karnataka)

You have to climb 555 steps to reach the Temple
of Lord Shiva at the peak via the Temple of Goddess
Parvati enroute.

Karinjeshwara Temple (Karnataka) Hindu Temples

Situated a top a hill in Karinje Village near Kavalamudur Village of Bantwal Taluk, 38 km from Mangalore and 14 km from Bantwal, are two temples, one dedicated to the Lord Shiva, the God of Destruction of Evil, at the peak of the hill, and another dedicated to His Consort, the Goddess Parvati, the Goddess of Power & Strength, and Her elephant-headed Son, Lord Ganesha, the Destroyer of Obstacles, a little lower down on the way to the Shiva Temple.

At the bottom of the hill is a lake called the Gadha Theertha (Gadha=Mace and Theertha=Holy-water in the Sanskrit Language), which, as per local mythology, is said to have been carved out when Bheema, one of the five Pandava heroes of the Indian epic "Mahabharata", knelt down atop the hill and threw his mace down. There is a small natural spring of water called the Ungushta Theertha resembling the impression of the biggest toe of the feet and one larger natural spring called the Jaanu Theertha resembling the impression of the knee, on the top of the rocky hill, which as per local mythology is said to be the impression caused by the weight of the mighty Bheema when he knelt down on the top of the Hill to throw his mace.

The holy-water contained in these two pools, which are perpetually filled with fresh water round the year, are partaken of by the devotees. The soil of the spot where the lake now stands is mythologically said to have spread over a distance of Seven Miles, which is known as "Kodia Malai", now inhabited by wild animals and reptiles. The rocky hill has a thin straight embossed line, again carved by nature, which is visible while climbing the steps from the Parvati Temple to the Shiva Temple. This line, as per local myth, is said to have been caused by the arrow of Arjuna, the ace archer, younger brother of Bheema.

You have to climb 555 steps to reach the Temple of Lord Shiva at the peak via the Temple of Goddess Parvati en route. You will find that the climb is worth it once you reach the peak and get a beautful bird's eye view of the surrounding areas. This is the bonus you get in addition to the blessings of the Deities.

At the Shiva Temple at the peak, there is a group of Monkeys led by the Alpha-Male called the Karinje-Dhadda, which is fed by the temple authorities on a small stone platform just outside the temple. The remaining monkeys partake of their share only after the Karinje-Dhadda has had his fill.

Every year in months of February - March, Shivaratri (Ratri=Night), the festival of Lord Shiva is celebrated here with much festivity. The people from this region speak Tulu, Kannada, Konkani & Mopals languages. If you want to visit this historic temple, you must drive 16 km from Mangalore city towards Bantwal and from there again drive 6 km towards a place called Upper (Mithdha) Vogga on the Mangalore-Dharmasthala/Bethangady Road on National Highway 13. As you approach Upper (Mithdha) Vogga, on your left you will find a two storey building, Jeevan Jyothi Nivas with shops, which is a landmark to your destination. Then take the first right turn and drive straight about 2 km through the dense forest to reach the temple. Beware of monkeys . Do not take any food items that tempts the monkeys to snatch from your hand or to attack you. Treat the place, the monkeys and the people with respect . Your one visit to this temple will definitely relax your MIND, BODY & SOUL.

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