Sri Karinjeshwara Temple, Karinja, Mangalore

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.

Shri Karinjeshwara Temple, Mangalore Temple

Karinjeshwara Temple at Mangalore. Image courtesy Manamohana Holla K

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

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.

Karinjeshwara Temple at Mangalore. Image courtesy Manamohana Holla K

Festivals at Sri Karinjeshwara Temple

Shivaratri is one of the most important festivals 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.