Karinja Karinjeshwara Temple – Karnataka

Address

Karinja Karinjeshwara Temple – Karnataka

Kavalamudoor Karinja Post,

Bantwal Taluk, Dakshina Kannada District,

Karnataka 574 265, India

Phone: +91 8255 285 255

Moolavar

Karinjeshwara

Amman

Parvati

Introduction

• Location: Karinja village, Bantwal Taluk, Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka, India, on the peak of Karinja Hill at about 1500 feet above sea level in Kodyamale Hills.
• Deities:
  • Lord Shiva at the Karinjewshara Temple (main shrine).
  • Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha at the Parvathi Temple.

Puranic Significance

• History:
  • Believed to be built in the 11th century CE.
  • Received patronage under the Kelady rulers, who were under the Vijayanagara Kingdom.
• Legend of Karinjattaya and Ichlattaya:
  • Two Brahmin brothers, Karinjattaya and Ichlattaya, arrived in Tulunadu in the 12th century to propagate Sanatana Dharma.
  • Karinjattaya settled in Karinja and Ichlattaya in Ichlampady.
  • They built the temple in a scenic mountain between these two settlements.
  • The temple and agricultural property were handed over to the Bunts, who supported the brothers.

Beliefs

• Theertha Snana: Devotees suffering from skin diseases perform theertha snana (ritual bathing) at the temple’s theerthas to be cured.
• Bheemana Amavasya Prayers: Married women perform special prayers to be blessed with motherhood.

Special Features

• Two Major Temples:
  1. Shiva Temple:
     • Located at the top of Karinja Hill (1500 feet above sea level).
     • Accessible by climbing 555 steps from the foothill and 118 more steps from Ukkadada Bagilu.
     • Also known as Shilamaya Temple and regarded as Bhookailasa.
     • Sanctum houses the image of Shilamaya Shiva (Karinjeshwara).
     • The temple provides a panoramic view of the forested foothills of the Western Ghats.
  2. Parvathi Temple:
     • Situated halfway up the hill, with a Vinayaga shrine along the way.
     • Accessible by both steps and road, surrounded by a courtyard.

Festivals

• Maha Shivaratri: The most famous festival, celebrated for four days. Special poojas and homas are performed at each temple, especially on the first night of Shivaratri into the early morning.

References
https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/p/karnataka.html

Century/Period

12th century CE

Nearest Bus Station

Karinja Cross Road

Nearest Railway Station

Bantwal Railway Station

Nearest Airport

Mangalore

Location on Map

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