Karinjeshwara Temple, Karinja
– Legends
Karinjattaya
and Ichlattaya:
As per legend, two brahmin brothers named Karinjattaya and Ichlattaya arrived Tulunadu from
Uttara Kannada for propagating Sanatana Dharma in 12th century CE. Bhootha
worship was prevalent in Tulunadu during this period. The place where Ichlattaya
settled came to be called as Ichlampady and the place where Karinjattaya settled
came to be called as Karinja.
The
temple was built by the brothers in a scenic mountain situated between Karinja
and Ichlampady. These brahmins without any descendants had given away their
agricultural property along with the
temple to the Bunts who were helping them.
Karinje
Dhadda:
As per legend, Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother
Lakshman along with Vanara Sena visited this
place after defeating Ravana. To commemorate his visit, he left his Vanara
Sena here. There is a unique tradition
followed in this
temple by the authorities in remembrance of this visit. The temple
authorities place the rice offerings (Naivedya) on Naivedya Kallu, a granite
platform, immediately after the Maha Pooja in the afternoon and ring the temple
bell. Once, the bell rings, a troop of monkeys led by the Alpha male called the
Karinje Dhadda will come to the Naivedya Kallu and eat the offerings. Devotees
gather in large numbers to watch a large number of monkeys coming from all
sides of the forest to feast upon the hot rice prasadam. These monkeys will not
harm the devotees and also accept foods from them.
Handi
Kere:
As per legend, Arjuna reached Karinja to seek blessings
from Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva wanted to test Arjuna and came in disguise of a
tribal hunter. When Arjuna aimed at the wild boar, even disguised Lord Shiva
also aimed at the same boar. Both shot the boar at the same time, so both had a
fight on whom to claim the boar. After a long battle Arjuna was defeated.
Finally, Lord Shiva and Parvathi gave him darshan. Goddess Parvathi
blessed Arjuna with arrows having special powers. It is said that the Handi
Kere is formed by the arrow aimed at the wild boar. The arrow marks are still
visible on the rocky hill.
Names in
different Yuga:
The
place was called as Roudra Giri during Krutha Yuga, Gajendra Giri in
Thretha Yuga, Bhima Shaila in Dwapara Yuga and Karinja in Kali Yuga.
Pandavas
stay during Dwapara Yuga:
As per legend, Pandavas took shelter in the caves around
this place during their exile.
Gadha
Theertha:
It is believed that Bheema threw his mace on the floor
and a pond was formed at the place due to the impact of the mace (Gadha). Thus,
the theertham came to be called as Gadha Theertha.
Janu
Theertha:
It is said that the Janu theertha is said to have
originated when Bhima knelt down on the floor.
Ungushta
Theertha:
It is said that Ungushta Theertha was created with the
thumb of Bhima.
Kalkuda:
As per legend, Kalkuda built seven temples overnight in
the region. This
temple is considered one among them.
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