Karinjeshwara Temple, Karinja – Legends

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 12^th 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.