Karinja Sri 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

Sri Karinjeshwara

Introduction

• Location: Karinja, Bantwal Taluk, Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka, India.
• Deity: Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha
• Temple Features: The temple is located at the top of a peak in the village of Karinja, with a total of 355 steps leading to it. The temple is divided into two parts: one for Lord Shiva and the other for Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. The temple of Goddess Parvati lies a little lower down on the way to the Shiva temple.

Puranic Significance:

• The Karinjeshwara Temple is significant across the four yugas (epochs), and it has witnessed all of them:
  • Krutha Yuga: Known as Roudra Giri.
  • Dwapara Yuga: Known as Bhima Shaila.
  • Thretha Yuga: Known as Gajendra Giri.
  • Kali Yuga: Known as Karinja.
• Mythological Beliefs:
  • During the Mahabharata era, Bhima is believed to have thrown his mace (Gadha) on the ground, resulting in the formation of the Gadha Theertha (a pond).
  • Another pond, Angushta Theertha, was formed when Bhima used his thumb, and Janu Theertha was created when Bhima knelt down on the ground. These ponds are located at the temple and provide an uninterrupted water supply to the temple throughout the year.
  • A pond called Handi Kere (Pig Pond) is also present inside the temple, believed to have formed when Arjuna shot an arrow at a pig.

Beliefs:

• Devotees visit this temple to seek the fulfillment of various desires, including resolving misunderstandings between couples.

Special Features:

• Age of the Temple: The temple is believed to be more than 1500 years old.
• The temple is divided into two parts:
  • The Surya Sadashiva Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
  • The Karinje Dhadda (leader of the monkeys) is worshipped here, and after the morning pooja, Naivedyam (offerings) are customarily given to the monkeys.
• The temple is surrounded by several ponds, including:
  • Gadha Theertha: Formed by Bhima’s mace.
  • Handi Theertha: Believed to have been created by Arjuna’s arrow.
  • Angushta Theertha and Janu Theertha: Created when Bhima knelt down to toss his mace.

Festivals:

• Shivaratri is the most important festival at the temple, celebrated for four days.
  • On Shivaratri, elaborate poojas are conducted, and devotees from nearby areas visit the temple.
  • On the second day of the festival, the idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are united, symbolizing their divine union.

References

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/

Century/Period

12Th century

Managed By

Government of Karnataka

Nearest Bus Station

Bantwal

Nearest Railway Station

Bantwal Railway Station

Nearest Airport

Mangalore

Location on Map

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