Sri Karinjeshwara Temple, nestled in the serene village of Karinja in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district, is a popular Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. Perched atop a scenic hill, the temple offers a serene environment surrounded by lush greenery and panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
How to reach Sri Karinjeshwara Temple
Location: Sri Karinjeshwara Temple, Karinjeshwara Rd, Kavalpadur, Karnataka 574265
Temple Timings: 9 AM to 7:30 PM everyday
Sri Karinjeshwara temple is situated in a small village named Karinja in Bantwala Taluk of Dakshina Kannada District. You can visit the temple in the following ways.
By Air: The nearest airport to this temple is Mangalore International Airport (IXE), which is around 42 km away. You can book a cab from there to reach your destination.
By Train: This temple is 37 km from Mangalore Railway Station. Mangalore is a major junction, therefore trains frequently pass through this station. However, there is a railway station in Bantwala, which is only 15 km from the temple. Trains are quite scarce at this station.
By Road: Dakshina Kannada has a well-connected road network. Both private and government buses travel to Bantwala. From Bantwala, one can travel by auto. The temple is just 12 kilometres from Bantwala.
How did we travel: We traveled to the temple in our own vehicle. It took us nearly 3 hours to reach the temple from Kundapura.
History of Sri Karinjeshwara Temple
Sri Karinjeshwara temple is so old that it has seen all four yugas. According to Sri Jayashankar Upadhyaya, a priest at the temple, during the Kruta Yuga, Rishi Munis used to perform penance and worship God at this location.
Lord Rama and Sita visited here during the Treta Yuga. The stone known as “Sita Pramana Kallu” serves as proof of this. During the Dwapara Yuga, Lord Sri Krishna and the Pandavas visited this region. Finally, in Kaliyuga, Sri Karinjeshwara has risen atop a hill to bless his devotees.
Scaling Spiritual Heights: The Adventurous Journey to Karinjeshwara Temple
Sri Karinjeshwara Temple, located atop the picturesque Karinje Hill in Karnataka, is both a spiritual and adventure trip. To get to the temple, tourists must climb over 600 steps, which requires both endurance and determination. As you climb, the path provides beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding forests and valleys, making the effort worthwhile. The tranquil ambiance, along with the thrill of mounting the hill, makes the visit a fascinating experience for adventure lovers. It takes around 45 minutes to reach the top from the bottom.
There is plenty of parking available at the bottom of the hill. Shops at the parking area sell drinking water, soft drinks, biscuits, and other necessities. After climbing around 300 steps, there is a temple dedicated to Parvathi and a small shrine devoted to Lord Ganesha. Up to the Parvathi temple, there is a trail around the hill that may be reached by vehicle.
Everyday pooja is performed at both the Ganesha and Parvathi temples. The very next day after Shivaratri, the idol of Lord Shiva is carried down to the Parvathi Temple. A large number of people assemble to witness this special occasion.
Beware of the Mischievous Monkeys!
The monkeys at Karinjeshwara Temple are a common sight, frequently entertaining visitors with their playful antics. However, their interest can rapidly turn into mischief, especially if they come into food or shiny objects. These monkeys are known to take bags, munchies, and anything else that catches their attention. To avoid undesirable contacts, you should take a few precautions. Avoid carrying food in the open, keep your valuables safe, and don’t feed the monkeys. It’s also a good idea to remain cool and avoid making rapid movements if a monkey approaches, as this can provoke them. You may have a peaceful visit by being cautious and respectful of their territory.
Every day after the pooja at noon, all of these monkeys are fed Naivedya, also known as “Vanara Anna Seve”. Rice is served on a special stone located outside the temple shrine. The monkeys’ leader, known as “Dadda,” comes and takes the first bite, after which the rest of the monkeys devour.
The famous Gadha Tirtha and Ungusta Tirtha
Sri Karinjeshwara temple features numerous water bodies, both at the bottom and on top. Bhima is said to have created the well-known Gadha tirtha with his Gadha (Mace). Gadha tirtha is full of water all year round, including during the summer. Few pilgrims take a holy dip here and then go to the temple.
At the top of the hill, there are two more water bodies, Janu Tirtha and Ungusta Tirtha. Every day, water is brought from Janu Tirtha and utilised to clean the idol in the temple. Ungusta Tirtha has been said to be created by Bheema. The word ungusta implies thumb. A large thumb impression is visible on the rock, and water is held inside.
Finally, the essence of visiting Karinjeshwara Temple is its beautiful combination of adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty. The temple provides more than just a religious experience, it represents a personal journey of endurance and devotion. The roughly 600-step ascent not only tests one’s physical endurance, but also provides opportunities for introspection, with the panoramic views and tranquil surroundings elevating the experience. At the summit, the temple’s serene atmosphere and the heavenly presence of Lord Shiva create a profound sense of fulfilment. The journey to Karinjeshwara is as much about spiritual awakening as it is about admiring nature’s beauty, resulting in a genuinely fulfilling and holistic experience. Make this site a must-visit on your next vacation to Dakshina Kannada.
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