Karighatta temple Karigiri | |
|---|---|
Temple | |
 The temple at the top of the hill | |
  Karighatta temple Location in Karnataka, India | |
| Coordinates:12°25′05″N76°43′17″E / 12.41806°N 76.72139°E /12.41806; 76.72139 | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Karnataka |
| District | Mandya |
| Nearest city | Mysore |
Karighatta is a hill situated a few kilometres outside the 'island' town ofSrirangapatna. It is situated off theBangalore-Mysore Highway just beforeSrirangapatna in Karnataka state of India.
The name Karighatta translates to "Elephant Hill" inKannada. The hill has aHindu temple devoted to a form ofHindu godVishnu, called "Karigirivasa". This deity is also referred to as "LordSrinivasa" and is also called "Bairagi Venkataramana". The epithet ‘Bairagi’ for this idol is derived from the fact that when ‘alankara’ (flower decoration) is done to the deity, the deity looks like a Bairagi (mendicant).
The hill stands at a height of 2697 feet above sea level. It supports dry scrub jungle and manytamarind andgooseberry trees are found around the temple. A small river, Lokapavani, a tributary ofKaveri flows by the hill.
The main entrance to the temple, with huge wooden doors opens into a large quadrangle, which is the main shrine for VaikuntaSrinivasa in black stone, flanked by YogaSrinivasa (without his consort) and BhogaSrinivasa idols. The temple of Goddess Padmavathi is on the western side. Facing the main temple is a statue ofGaruda and a Garudasthamba. There is also a Kalyana Mantapa (marriage hall) which is used for performing marriages and other functions.[1] It is believed that the great sageBhrigu has done the Prathishthapana (installation ceremony) of the deity.
The hill may be climbed by stone steps (450 in number). A winding paved road is used for vehicular transport. The stone steps lead to a flat hilltop where the temple stands. The hillock has a superb panoramic view ofSrirangapatna andMysore. The beautiful landscape around the hill and the confluence of theKaveri and Lokapavani rivers can be seen from atop the hill.
The famous Nimishamba (the incarnation ofParvathi, the goddess wife of LordShiva) temple is on the opposite bank of the Lokapavani river. This temple too can be clearly seen from the top of theKarighatta hill. It is a belief thatParvathi will clear all the problems and troubles of her devotees within a minute (nimisha inSanskrit), and hence the name.
It is referred inVaraha Purana as ‘Neelachala’, a Sanskrit word, which means 'Blue Mountain.'. It is believed that performing some aesthetic poojas (worship) at this temple could bring a lot of relief to the sufferings one may have gone through in life.[1]
It is said that the hill got its name after a wild elephant, Kari attacked and killed four girls taking bath. To bring them back to life Sage Kutsamuni undertook a rigorous penance and requested the Lord to save His devotees. Another legend has it that during the building of the bridge toLanka to bring backSita,Sugreeva brought this hillock, also called ‘Neelachala’ from Tirumala (Thirupathi). On his way several Vishnubhakhtas (disciples of Lord Vishnu) pleaded with him to leave it here and so the hill remained here.[1]
At the temple premises, there are sharp grasses,Eragrostis cynosuroides locally known asDharbe hullu(grass) inKannada, which is used for performing all sacred rites.[2] In "Varaha Purana" it is said that when LordVishnu took the incarnation ofVaraha and shook his body some of the body hair fell on the ground near here the grass now seen here is believed to have come from his hair.[3]
Legend has it that it was on this hill that theBritish had placed their cannons during the siege ofSrirangapatnam.[4]
The traditional car festival held every year is believed to have been initiated by sageVaikhanasa as early as theTreta Yuga. This practice is being continued and annual fair takes place duringKumbha Masa Palguna (February-March), when a large number of pilgrims attend.
Karighatta Temple is connected by different modes of transport. Buses are available from Srirangapatna and other neighboring towns. After reaching Mysore it may not be difficult to reach this hill. But you must carry water, food and other requirements for use. No accommodation. You can just visit the temple enjoy the nature’s beauty for few hours and return.
Temple timings: 10am to 2pm and on government holidays 10am to 7pm.
