Climbing those steps felt like shedding layers of stress. The moment I reached the top and saw Lord Shiva's shrine, I was overwhelmed with peace. Truly a divine experience
Nestled atop the lush green hill of Kodyamale in Kavalpadur village, Sri Karinjeshwara Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, known locally as Karinjeshwara Swamy. Located in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, this temple sits at an elevation of over 1,000 feet, offering a spiritually enriching atmosphere and breathtaking views of the surrounding forested valleys. Devotees climb around 355 steps to reach the sanctum, symbolizing a journey of devotion and self-discipline. Along the way, pilgrims encounter two sacred shrines — one for Lord Parvati, situated midway, and another for Nandi, the divine bull. The temple is not only a center of faith but also a haven of peace, drawing visitors with its serene environment, age-old legends, and vibrant festivals like Maha Shivaratri. Surrounded by monkeys that are believed to be divine guardians, the temple carries a mystical charm that blends nature, spirituality, and heritage into one unforgettable experience.
Sri Karinjeshwara Temple, perched atop the serene Karinjeshwara hill in Kavalpadur, Karnataka, is a timeless symbol of devotion, nature, and mysticism. This sacred temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is believed to have divine significance in all four Yugas—Satya, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali Yuga. In the Satya Yuga, it is said that the Sapta Rishis (seven great sages) meditated here, invoking Lord Shiva, who blessed the hill with his presence. During Treta Yuga, Lord Rama is believed to have visited this hill during his exile, while Hanuman offered protection to the surrounding forest. In the Dvapara Yuga, the Pandavas are said to have worshipped here during their exile, with Arjuna meditating and Bheema offering food to sages. Even in the present Kali Yuga, devotees continue to climb the 355 steps to the hilltop sanctum, believing each step purifies the soul. One of the most unique features of the temple is the daily ritual of feeding monkeys—especially the alpha monkey known as “Karinja Dadda”—a practice believed to be divinely guided. Surrounded by the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, the temple offers not only spiritual peace but also a living connection to India's ancient past, making it a truly divine and historical destination.
Climbing those steps felt like shedding layers of stress. The moment I reached the top and saw Lord Shiva's shrine, I was overwhelmed with peace. Truly a divine experience
Every time I visit India, Karinjeshwara Temple is a must-stop for me. The temple’s energy is unlike anything I’ve felt elsewhere. You don’t just visit, you experience
The silence of the hill, the chants in the temple, and the gentle monkeys watching you — it’s like stepping into another world. This place heals you
This temple is not just spiritual—it’s magical. The view from the top, the calmness of the forest, and the rituals including feeding the monkeys are unforgettable
Sri Karinjeshwara Temple is not just a temple; it is a living legend rooted deep...
Learn MoreClimbing the hill to Sri Karinjeshwara Temple is more than a physical journey — ...
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