Karighatta - Black Hill
Situated at the confluence of Lokapavani and Cauvery rivers stands the majestic small hill, called Karighatta. Due to the black stones, the hill is also called 'Karigiri'; for most part of the year, since the peak of the hill appears to be kissing the sky and covered in clouds, it is also called as 'Neelachala'. The cool breeze, even at 12 noon is remarkable.
The Lord Srinivasa temple atop the hill has one of the most beautiful idols of the Lord, almost matching to that at Thirumala. The temple is situated on 3 hills, Srinivasa Gudda, Kavalu Gopura Gudda, Chinnayakana halli; of these, Kavalu Gopura Gudda is the tallest. Standing atop this hill, one can clearly see surrounding places - Mysore, Sriragapatna, Ganjam, Pandavapura, Kunti betta, Melukote, in addition to countless villages amongst the lush greenery. One can also see the River Cauvery flowing amidst the greenery; also visible is its small tributary - Lokapavani.
According to local Legend, it is believed that Sage Bhrigu visited this place along with his disciples and stayed here for a long time; during his stay, it is said that the moola-vigraha (main statue) has been installed by him.
According to ASI, this temple was built by the Cholas and developed by the Wodeyars. There are about 550 steps (built by Sri Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar) to get atop the hill and visit the temple; and in case pilgrims get tired climbing the hill, few resting places were also provided by the King.
Inside the main temple, the lack of maintenance is stark. The cloth adorning the main idol itself was not befitting the status of the Lord; if the legendary poet-singer Annamacharya was to visit here, I am sure he will be in tears, crying in consolably, unable to fathom how Lord Srinivasa is suffering.
Wonder if Saint Ramanujacharya visited this Vaishnava shrine, as another temple-town Melukote where he is said to have patronized greatly is close-by.
It is surprising to note that devotees are allowed to offer pradakshina to the temple and also climb to the top (of course the Garbhagriha has a Gopura) and enjoy the view of the valley below. I certainly haven't visited a temple that permits this.
Built in Dravidian style, the temple has:
1. Main statue of Lord Srinivasa attractively carved out of a single Black-Stone
2. To the right side is Lord Yoga Venkateshwara
3. To the left side is Lord Bhoga Venkateshwara
4. To the South is Devi Padmavathi's temple
5. Additionally, there are smaller temples of Garuda, Hanuman, Sita+Rama+Lakshmana; Interestingly, this family of idols is missing its main person - Hanuman; I Believe they couldn't afford another idol as there is a small Hanuman temple next to this temple, within the same complex.
The specialty of this temple is that it has a Northern Entrance as against the norm of East
During February, this temple has a Jathra (festival) on the 1st Full Moon Day (Magha Pournami), followed by a Rathotsava (Car Festival) the next day. Vaikuntha Ekadashi, is also a major festival celebrated here.
Despite its many attractions, the temple is in a pitiable condition. It is surprising to see a Srinivasa Temple in such a state, given that even smaller temples with lesser glory do very well at Bangalore and other lesser cities.
The temple is said to be maintained by the Muzrai dept of Mandya dist administration; sadly, it is not even on their list for grants, neither on its website. When we visited during end August, there was no power; the head priest mentioned that the Solar panel lighting had failed 3 days ago and there was no one who attended to it. Amenities, if any, are just basic, no toilets.
This place seemed to be popular with devotees who know about the Temple; if included as part of local tourism, it could greatly help development. Of course, the small ghat road has a fresh cost of tar and the approach road to this place is also good; one has to be careful to watch-out for a small signboard mentioning the village name, else, it is just blink-and-miss!
It is a must visit; I certainly will.
Situated at the confluence of Lokapavani and Cauvery rivers stands the majestic small hill, called Karighatta. Due to the black stones, the hill is also called 'Karigiri'; for most part of the year, since the peak of the hill appears to be kissing the sky and covered in clouds, it is also called as 'Neelachala'. The cool breeze, even at 12 noon is remarkable.
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| Karighatta Srinivasa Temple Complex |
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| Main Temple |
According to ASI, this temple was built by the Cholas and developed by the Wodeyars. There are about 550 steps (built by Sri Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar) to get atop the hill and visit the temple; and in case pilgrims get tired climbing the hill, few resting places were also provided by the King.
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| Ruined pedestal in Brass; Garuda prostrating |
Wonder if Saint Ramanujacharya visited this Vaishnava shrine, as another temple-town Melukote where he is said to have patronized greatly is close-by.
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| Garbha-griha Gopura |
It is surprising to note that devotees are allowed to offer pradakshina to the temple and also climb to the top (of course the Garbhagriha has a Gopura) and enjoy the view of the valley below. I certainly haven't visited a temple that permits this.
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| Modest Padmavathi Temple |
Built in Dravidian style, the temple has:
1. Main statue of Lord Srinivasa attractively carved out of a single Black-Stone
2. To the right side is Lord Yoga Venkateshwara
3. To the left side is Lord Bhoga Venkateshwara
4. To the South is Devi Padmavathi's temple
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| Sita, Rama & Lakshmana; Hanuman family photo |
The specialty of this temple is that it has a Northern Entrance as against the norm of East
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| Beautiful scenery - Lokapavani closer in view, Cauvery farther and larger |
Despite its many attractions, the temple is in a pitiable condition. It is surprising to see a Srinivasa Temple in such a state, given that even smaller temples with lesser glory do very well at Bangalore and other lesser cities.
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| Basic living quarters |
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| Karnataka Information Plaque |
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| Interesting Tulasi kota and the Parijata tree |
It is a must visit; I certainly will.
