Karinjeshwara Temple, Karinja – The Temple Complex

Karinjeshwara Temple, Karinja – The Temple Complex

The temple complex has two major temples. One temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva situated at the top of a Karinja Hill. This temple is situated on the peak of Karinja Hill at about 1500 feet above sea level in Kodyamale Hills. There are about 555 steps to reach this temple from the foothill. The other temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati & Ganesha in the middle of the way to the hill top. The Parvathi temple can be accessed through flight of steps and also can be reached by road but the Shiva temple at hill top can be accessed through flight of steps only.

Parvathi Temple:

This temple is situated in the middle of the way to the Karinja Hill top. There is a shrine for Vinayaga on the way to Parvathi temple from the foot hill. The temple is surrounded by a courtyard. There is a dining hall at the end of the courtyard.

Ukkadada Bagilu:

Ukkadada Bagilu is a massive door frame made up of a stone situated after the Parvati temple towards the hill top. One need to climb about 150 steps from Parvathi temple to reach this spot. Ukkadada Bagilu has a 0.3 cm cut mark on it, which is said to be created by the hitting of an arrow, when Arjuna tried to kill a wicked boar. 

Karinjeshwara Temple:

This temple is the principal shrine of the temple complex. This temple is situated on the peak of Karinja Hill at about 1500 feet above sea level in Kodyamale Hills. There are about 555 steps to reach this temple from the foothill. The temple can be reached after climbing 118 steps from Ukkadada Bagilu. The temple is also called as Shilamaya Temple.

It is regarded as Bhookailasa. Balipeedam and a short granite pillar can be seen in front of the temple. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and mukha mandapa. The sanctum enshrines an image of Shilamaya Shiva (Karinjeshwara). The hill top provides a breath taking panoramic view of the forested foothills of the western ghats.

Theerthas:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2022/07/karinjeshwara-temple-karinja-theerthas.html

Feeding of Monkeys: 

There is a unique tradition followed in this temple by the authorities. 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. Devotees also offer bananas and coconuts to these monkeys.