Karinjeshwara is one of the most honored pilgrimage spots in the Indian state of Karnataka. This pilgrimage spot is famous for the Karinjeshwara Temple or the Shiva-Parvati Temple. This temple is situated in the Karinje Village in the Bantwal Taluq on the top of a tall hill. A visitor has to climb a total of 555 steps in order to reach the Shiva Temple. The tourist can also visit the temple dedicated to Parvati on the way to the Temple of Lord Shiva. There is another temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha that is situated at the same level as the Durga Temple.

The temple is divided into two halves. Rituals along with religious festivals are performed almost daily in these temples. The four-day long festival known as 'Shivratri' is celebrated with great pomp and gaiety. On the first night of this festival, many different types of 'poojas' are performed at all the three temples to appease the deities.

On the following day, the image of Lord Shiva is transferred to the shrine of Parvati so that husband and wife could be united.

On the following day, during the Rathotsava or the Chariot festival, the images of Shiva and Parvati are paraded around. On the next day, the images of Lord Shiva and Parvati are returned to their respective shrines.

In order to reach Karinjeshwara in Mangalore, the tourists have to cover a distance of 16 kilometers from Mangalore. Then, he again has to travel towards Upper Vogga situated on the Mangalore-Dharmasala Road. Most of the people from this region of Karnataka speak dialects like Tulu, Konkani, Kannada and Monpals.

Last Updated on 21 September 2011