Srirangapatna Karighatta Temple- Karnataka

Address

Srirangapatna Karighatta Temple- Karighatta, Kallikoppalu, Karnataka 571807

Deity

Karigirivasa as Lord Vishnu

Introduction

• Karighatta Hill is a prominent pilgrimage site located a few kilometers from the historical town of Srirangapatna in Karnataka, near the Bangalore-Mysore Highway.
• Situated at an altitude of 2,697 feet, the hill provides a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape and houses an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• The temple’s main deity, a 6-foot-tall black stone idol, is said to have been installed by Sage Brigu, and it is believed that performing special rituals at this temple can bring about positive changes in one’s life.
• Karighatta Hill is located approximately 21 kilometers from Mysore and 6 kilometers from Srirangapatna.

Puranic Significance

• The name Karighatta translates to “Elephant Hill” in Kannada, based on ancient legends.
• The temple is devoted to Lord Srinivasa, a form of Lord Vishnu, who is also known as Karigirivasa or Bairagi Venkataramana. The term “Bairagi” refers to the appearance of the deity during certain alankara (flower decoration), making Him resemble a mendicant.
• According to the Varaha Purana, the hill is also referred to as Neelachala or “Blue Mountain.”
• One legend states that the hill received its name after a wild elephant (Kari) killed four girls who were bathing in the area. Sage Kutsamuni, through intense penance, prayed to Lord Vishnu to bring the girls back to life, which He granted.
• Another legend connects the hill to Sugreeva, who, during the construction of the bridge to Lanka to rescue Sita, brought the hill from Tirumala (Tirupati). However, due to the pleas of Vishnu devotees, the hill remained at its present location.
• A unique feature of the area is the growth of Dharbe hullu (Eragrostis cynosuroides), a sacred grass used in Hindu rituals. The Varaha Purana explains that this grass originated from Lord Vishnu’s hair when He took the form of Varaha and shook His body.

Special Features

• The temple entrance is marked by large wooden doors, leading into a spacious quadrangle where the main deity, Vaikunta Srinivasa in black stone, is housed. This idol is flanked by the figures of Yoga Srinivasa and Bhoga Srinivasa.
• There is also a shrine dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi on the western side of the temple.
• Garuda, the celestial vehicle of Lord Vishnu, is represented by a statue and a Garudasthamba (pillar) facing the temple.
• The temple complex also includes a Kalyana Mantapa (marriage hall) for conducting ceremonies, including weddings.
• The temple’s prathishthapana (installation) is attributed to Sage Bhrigu, further enhancing its spiritual significance.

Festivals

• The most significant annual event is the car festival, which has ancient origins dating back to the Treta Yuga, initiated by Sage Vaikhanasa.
• The Kumbha Masa Palguna festival, celebrated in February-March, draws large crowds of pilgrims who attend to offer their prayers and participate in the festivities.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Srirangapatna

Nearest Railway Station

Srirangapatna Station

Nearest Airport

Bengaluru, Mysore

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