Sri Karinjeshwara Temple, Bantwal

The Sri Karinjeshwara Temple is one of the most famous temples in Dakshina Kannada, India. Its history dates back centuries, and it has been a popular pilgrimage site for devotees worldwide. The temple is filled with legends and stories passed down through generations. It’s a great place to visit if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, as it offers an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.

About Sri Karinjeshwara Temple (Near Bantwal), Karinja

The Sri Karinjeshwara temple is in a place called Karinja, in the village of Kavalamudur in the Bantwal taluk of the Dakshina Kannada district. It is 35 kilometers from Mangalore and 14 kilometers from Bantwal. The Karinjeshwara temple is at the top of a hill and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. One temple is for Lord Shiva at the top of the hill. The other is for Lord Shiva’s wife, the Goddess Parvati, and their son, Lord Ganesha, who is on the way to the Karinjeshwara Temple. This is Kalkuda’s seventh temple. He said he would build seven temples in one night.

To get to Dharmasthala, you must get off at Vagga, which is 10 km from Bantwal. The stop is also called Karinja Cross, and it has a beautiful entrance to one of the nicest and most peaceful places in the coastal district. The road through Kodyamale Forest that takes you to Karinja is also enough to hold your attention. The best way to see it is on foot, from the main entrance to the temple.

Temple Legend

Legends say that Lord Ram and Lakshman went to this temple together. During the noon pooja, Lord Ram cooked rice and gave it to Lord Shiva. After the offering, Lord Ram put the rice for the monkeys on a flat rock in front of the Shiva temple. Even now, it is still the norm to give the monkeys rice prasadam.

Hindu mythology talks about four yugas, and the Karinjeshwara temple is proof of all of them. During the “Krutha Yuga,” the temple was called “Roudra Giri.” During the “Dwapara Yuga,” it was called “Bhima Shaila.” During the “Thretha Yuga,” it was called “Gajendra Giri,” and during the “Kali Yuga,” it was called “Karinja.” This temple has seen all four of the most important yugas.

People think a pond was made when Bhima threw his mace on the ground. This pond is called “Gadha Theertha.” Also, Bhima’s thumb made the Angushta Theertha, and when he knelt, he made the Janu Theertha. You can see these ponds at the temple, and they ensure that the temple always has water throughout the year. Inside the pond, you can find another pond called “Handi Kere.” This pond is thought to have been made when the great warrior Arjuna shot a pig with an arrow.

Temple Architecture

Sri Karinjeshwara shiva temple is influenced by both Vaishnav and Jain styles of architecture. A stone carving at the base of the temple’s flag post shows that the Kelady rulers, who were part of the Vijayanagara kingdom, supported this temple.

Arinja Cliff is also becoming a place many people want to go. People come to this cliff to enjoy the cool water, fresh air, and lush green surroundings. From the top of the cliff, it’s beautiful to see how the electric lights of nearby towns look like stars at night.

This temple is divided into two parts. One is for Lord Shiva, and the other is for Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. you must walk about 355 steps to reach Temple. On the way to the Karinjeshwara temple, the temple of Goddess Parvati is a little lower down.

Darsan Timing

Temple Ritual

Special Rituals

On the days of Amavasye, the temple will hold special Teertha Snanas. Every Monday and Friday, special pooja and sevas are held. On Maha Shivaratri and Pradhosha days, Abhisheka sevas are held at night at the sannidhi of Lord Parameshwara.

Famous Festivals

Sri Karinjeshwara Temple is a well-known temple located in Karnataka, India. This temple is renowned for its grandeur and spiritual vibes and has become a major tourist attraction. Many festivals are celebrated at the temple with traditional zeal and enthusiasm throughout the year. These festivals attract devotees from far and wide to participate in religious activities such as special pujas, processions, aarti performances, and more.

• Soura Ugadhi
• Vrashabha Sankramana
• Simha Sankramana
• Nagara Panchami
• Ganesha Chaturthi
• Kadiru Uthsava
• Navarathri
• Mahanavami, Vijayadashami
• Deepavali
• Karthika Pooja
• Laksha Deepothsava
• Nemothsava for Kodamanitthaya Daiva
• Subhramanya Shasti

How to Reach Temple

By Air

The temple is only 35 km from Mangalore, where the closest airport is.

By Train

The nearest train station is 35 kilometers away in Mangalore.

By Road

Many roads lead to this temple. It is 35 kilometers from Mangalore and 14 kilometers from Bantwal.

Distance Between Major Locations

• From Dharmasthala: Temple is 41 kilometers away
• From Bangalore: Temple is 338 kilometers away
• From Mangalore: Temple is 40 kilometers away

Location Map

Nearest Facilities

Quick FAQ – Sri Karinjeshwara Temple