Sri Karinjeshwara Temple — Attraction in Karnataka

Sri Karinjeshwara Temple is a famous Lord Shiva temple located in a place called Karinja. It lies in the Bantwal taluk of the Dakshina Kannada district. This temple is perched on the top of a peak in the village of Karinja. It offers a magnificent view of the surroundings from the top of a hill.

This temple is distributed into two parts- one is for Lord Shiva and the other part is for Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. There are about 355 steps to reach the temple. The temple of Goddess Parvati lies a little lower down on your way to the Shiva temple.

Quick Facts about Sri Karinjeshwara Temple

Timings: 9 AM to 12 PM. Mahapooja at 12 PM. 6 PM to 7 PMAddress:Karinjeshwara, Kavalpadur, Karnataka-574265 (MAP)

History of Sri Karinjeshwara Temple

Four yugas are mentioned in the Hindu mythology and the Karinjeshwara temple is the testimony to all of them. It is noted that the temple was called  ‘Roudra Giri’ during Krutha Yuga’, ‘Bhima Shaila’ in ‘Dwapara Yuga’, Gajendra Giri’ in ‘Thretha Yuga’, and ‘Karinja’ in ‘Kali Yuga’. This is one temple which has been a witness to all the four prominent yugas.

It is believed that Bhima threw his mace on the floor and a pond was formed there, this pond is called ‘Gadha Theertha’. Further, the ‘Angushta Theertha’ was created with the thumb of Bhima and when he knelt down on the floor, another pond named ‘Janu Theertha’ was created. These ponds can be seen at the temple and they ensure uninterrupted supply of water to the temple throughout the year. Another pond named ‘Handi Kere’ can be found inside the pond, this is believed to have been formed when the great warrior Arjuna arrowed a pig.

Festivals at Sri Karinjeshwara Temple

Shivaratri is one of the most importantfestivals at the Sri Karinjeshwara Temple. On the day of Shivaratri, elaborate poojas are conducted and devotees throng this temple from nearby areas. The festival is celebrated for four days. On the second day, Lord Shiva’s idol is united with that of Goddess Parvati.

Further, on the third day, the chariot festivalor Rathotsava takes place. On this day, the idols are carried around the temple in a procession and then carried back on a chariot or a Ratha. Again on the fourth day, the idol of Lord Shiva is taken to Goddess Parvati and the idols are taken for a small stroll. The idols are then taken back to the temple which marks and end to the four day festivities in Karinja.

The ancient practice of feeding apes is still followed inside the temple. They feed monkeys on a daily basis and many devotees are also seen doing the same.

How to Reach Sri Karinjeshwara Temple

By Air

The nearest airport is located in Mangalore which is at a distance of only 35 kms from the temple.

By Train

The nearest railway station is at Mangalore, 35 kms from the temple.

By Road

This temple is well connected by a road network. It is at a distance of 35 kms from Mangalore, and only 14 kms...

The Karinjeshwara temple is located in the Karinja village, in the Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. The Mangalore International Airport is the nearest airport to Karinjeshwara temple, which lies at a distance of 45.3 KM.. The Karinjeshwara temple is well connected by road. However, it will be good for tourists to take their own vehicles for convenience and to avoid the climb from the base of the hill. The Karinjeshwara temple is open for visitors from 9 AM to 12.30 PM and from 5.30 PM to 6.30 PM. Sri Karinjeshwara temple, Bantwal, is a peaceful haven. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the 1000-odd years Karinjeshwara temple symbolises antiquity and devotion. The temple is not only a pilgrimage site but also offers panoramic views of the beautiful surroundings. Sri Karinjeshwara temple history dates back over a thousand years and has served as a testament in various eras or Yugas in Hindu mythology. It was addressed as ‘Roudra Giri’ during ‘Krutha Yuga’, ‘Bhima Shaila’ in ‘Dwapara Yuga’, ‘Gajendra Giri’ in ‘Thretha Yuga’, and ‘Karinja’ in the present ‘Kali Yuga’. Furthermore, the temple has connections with the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The caves here have also served as hideouts for the Pandavas during their exile. The Pandavas brothers, Bhima and Arjuna, created four Theerthams, or sacred ponds in the Karinjeshwara temple. According to beliefs, Bhima struck his mace (Gada) on the ground to form the ‘Gadha Theertha’. Also, when he knelt on the floor, Bhima created the ‘Angushta Theertha’ and the ‘Janu Theertha’ with his thumb. Furthermore, Arjuna arrowed a pig, forming the ‘Handi Theertha’ or the ‘Varaha Theertha’. The Karinjeshwara temple has a further enriched history with its link with the Ramayana. Popular beliefs state that Lord Rama and His brother Lakshmana had visited the temple. A stone at the bottom of the Sri Karinjeshwara temple flag post reveals that the Kelady rulers under the Vijayanagara kingdom had extended their royal patronage to the The otherwise quiet Sri Karinjeshwara temple, Bantwal, assumes a festive glow with the Maha Shivratri festival, which is celebrated for four days. On the day of Maha Shivratri, devotees throng the temple from nearby areas to participate in the elaborate poojas. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are united on the second day. On the third day of the Rathotsava, the deities go out in a procession. The fourth day marks the culmination of the festival rituals, where the deities return to their shrines after being carried out on a small stroll. There are other festivals celebrated in the temple as well. When the weather is pleasant, the ideal time to visit the Karinjeshwara temple in Bantwal is during and after the monsoon season. Also, the surrounding greenery is lush and vibrant during this time. Tourists should climb the hill early in the morning to...

Sri Karinjeshwara Temple, Karinja, Mangalore Karnataka

Sri Karinjeshwara Temple is a famous Lord Shiva temple located in a place called Karinja. It lies in the Bantwal taluk of the Dakshina Kannada district.

This temple is perched on the top of a peak in the village of Karinja. It offers a magnificent view of the surroundings from the top of a hill.

This temple is distributed into two parts- one is for Lord Shiva and the other part is for Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. There are about 355 steps to reach the temple. The temple of Goddess Parvati lies a little lower down on your way to the Shiva temple.

Quick Facts about Sri Karinjeshwara Temple

Timings: 9 AM to 12 PM. Mahapooja at 12 PM. 6 PM to 7 PM

Address: Karinjeshwara, Kavalpadur, Karnataka-574265 (MAP)

History of Sri Karinjeshwara Temple

It is noted that the temple was called ‘Roudra Giri’ during Krutha Yuga’, ‘Bhima Shaila’ in ‘Dwapara Yuga’, Gajendra Giri’ in ‘Thretha Yuga’, and ‘Karinja’ in ‘Kali Yuga’. This is one temple which has been a witness to all the four prominent yugas.

It is believed that Bhima threw his mace on the floor and a pond was formed there, this pond is called ‘Gadha Theertha’. Further, the ‘Angushta Theertha’ was created with the thumb of Bhima and when he knelt down on the floor, another pond named ‘Janu Theertha’ was created. These ponds can be seen at the temple and they ensure uninterrupted supply of water to the temple throughout the year. Another pond named ‘Handi Kere’ can be found inside the pond, this is believed to have been formed when the great warrior Arjuna arrowed a pig.

Festivals at Sri Karinjeshwara Temple

Shivaratri is one of the most important festival at the Sri Karinjeshwara Temple. On the day of Shivaratri, elaborate poojas are conducted and devotees throng this temple from nearby areas. The festival is celebrated for four days. On the second day, Lord Shiva’s idol is united with that of Goddess Parvati.

Further, on the third day, the chariot festival or Rathotsava takes place. On this day, the idols are carried around the temple in a procession and then carried back on a chariot or a Ratha. Again on the fourth day, the idol of Lord Shiva is taken to Goddess Parvati and the idols are taken for a small stroll. The idols are then taken back to the temple which marks and end to the four day festivities in Karinja.

The ancient practice of feeding apes is still followed inside the temple. They feed monkeys on a daily basis and many devotees are also seen doing the same.

How to Reach Sri Karinjeshwara Temple

By Air

The nearest airport is located in Mangalore which is at a distance of only 35 kms from the temple.

By Train

The nearest railway station is at Mangalore, 35 kms from the temple.

By Road

This temple is well connected by a road network. It is at a distance of 35 kms...