User:Shruthi Gaurav Alva/sandbox

Karinjeshwar temple

Brief Introduction

This is a ancient Lord Shiva temple located on a hill in a small town named Karinja in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka,India.

Location: This temple is situated at a height of 1000feet above sea level in the midst of lush green Kodyamale hills.This is an upcoming tourist centre and trekking destination to be developed by Govt of Karnataka. The nearest airport is Mangalore airport and is 35 kms away from Mangalore city and 14kms away from Bantwal Taluk. It's at a 2.4km deviation from the village named Vagga on the Bantwal Dharmasthala State Highway.The temple of Lord Shiva is on top of the cliff where one has to climb  550 odd steps carved from the rocks and temple of Goddess Parvati is  situated in the middle of the cliff.This temple being surrounded by lush greenery with varied Flora and fauna is a nature admirers paradise.

History :

The main temple of Shiva is said to have a history which goes back to 1000 years.Its believed Lord Ram visited this place with brother Lakshman in rememberance of their visit a large rice offered as Naivaidya to Lord Shiva during noon worship is  put on a stone slab  in front of the Shiva temple for the monkeys. Till today it's the custom amongst these monkeys that their leader named as "Karinja Dadda" has the first bite and if any monkey breaks the rule he is punished by the leader called as " the Dadda".This place also has connection to Dwapar Yug where it's believed that Pandavas took shelter here during their exile period. 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.

Theerthas or Sacred ponds:

The pond at the bottom is believed to have been created by the mace of Bhima and is apltly named "Gadha Teertha".This stands testimony of the fact that Pandavas had visited this place.There is another pond created by Arjuna's arrow named Varaha Teertha.Along with these there are two other Teerthas named ungustha Teertha (toe) this was formed when Bhima knelt on the floor with his thumb and Janu(knee) Teertha.

Significance:

Devotees believe these sacred Teerthas have properties to cure skin diseases if a holy dip is taken on  specific days. The name Karinja is believed to have originated from two Brahmin brothers who arrived from Uttara Kannada. Their names were Karinjattaya and Ichlattaya. The land owned by Ichlattaya came to be known as Ichlampady and the one owned by Karinjattaya was known as Karinja.In between these two places is the beautiful cliff temple.The brothers later donated their land to  the Bunts who helped them in their farms.Its also believed that anyone facing monkey trouble in their farms if they take a vow to donate money to construct a step to the  temple then the monkeys trouble in their farms ends.

Architecture:

This temple is influenced by both Vaishnav and Jain architecture.The cliff is split into two parts on the top is Lord Shiva temple .More than 555 steps leads to the temple. Midway is the temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati and her son Lord Ganesh. The temple of Goddess Parvati is surrounded by a clean courtyard and at one end of the courtyard is the dining hall where daily devotees are served free prasadam lunch in the afternoon. The steps leading to Shiva temple are steep.On a clear night one can see the lights of the nearby towns shining like stars from the top of the cliff.This is a breathtaking beautiful sight.The architects of this temple have maintained the natural beauty of the surroundings and incorporated the abundantly available rock cut stones in building these temples.

Festivals:

Both temples follow individual Pooja timings.Shivaratri is the most celebrated festival which goes on for four days.First day homas are there,second day Lord Shiva is married to Goddess Parvati amidst lots of Pooja and festivities,third day Rathostav where deities are taken in chariot and fourth day Lord Shiva is once again taken to  a stroll  and both are taken to their respective temples.

References:

Websites :

http://www.bantwal.com/karinjeshwara_temple.php

http://travel.sulekha.com/a-hill-with-a-view_mangalore-travelogue-1731.htm

http://teamgsquare.blogspot.in/2010/10/mt-karinja.html

http://hill-temples.blogspot.in/2012/07/sri-karinjeshwara-temple.html?m=1