Sri Karinjeshwara Temple: A Tranquil Abode Nestled In Nature

Set in the lap of nature atop a hill, 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, Banwal. Source Manamohana Holla K — Sri Karinjeshwara Temple. Source Manamohana Holla K

Karinjeshwara temple history

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 temple.

Karinjeshwara Temple Surrounding Beauty. Source Dinesh_baggan_somiah

Karinjeshwara deity and details

The presiding deity of Sri Karinjeshwara temple is Lord Shiva, addressed here as Surya Sadashiva atop a hill. Additionally, in the midway lies the shrine dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Pilgrims and tourists to Karinjeshwara temple must climb about 600 steps to reach the Lord Shiva temple at the summit. The path is motorable up to the Parvati shrine in the midway, after which tourists will have to walk up to the Shiva temple, which consists of about 150 steps. The Karinjeshwara temple is relatively small, but upon reaching it, one gets to immerse in immeasurable tranquillity. Also, the surrounding nature from the top of the hill provides mesmerising views.

Festivals and beliefs

Mahashivratri festival

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.

Feeding the monkeys

The feeding of monkeys that inhabit the area is a significant event in the Sri Karinjeshwara temple. Every noon, the priests offer rice to the monkeys on a stone slab in front of Lord Shiva’s shrine. The leader of the group of monkeys known as the Karinja Dadda takes the first bite.

It is also auspicious for pilgrims to dip in the ‘Gadha Teertha’ during Ashada, which they usually do.

Best time to visit Karinjeshwara temple

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 escape the heat.

How to reach Karinjeshwara temple

The Karinjeshwara temple is located in the Karinja village, in the Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka.

By Air

The Mangalore International Airport is the nearest airport to Karinjeshwara temple, which lies at a distance of 45.3 KM..

By Train

The nearest railway station to Sri Karinjeshwara temple is the Bantwal Railway station, about 14.8 km away. However, the Mangalore Railway station will be the major one from where one can reach the temple.

By Road

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.