A Guide to Karighatta Temple

Karighatta Temple is one of these beautiful heritage sites which lies in this beautiful, fast-paced state of Karnataka. This place which is said to be located on the hills which is situated a few kilometers away from the island town of Srirangapatna, is believed to be one of the best places to visit in Karnataka.

This blackish-hued, aesthetically pleasing, and beautiful hill is located just 10 kilometers away from Srirangapatna. This hill is situated amidst the lush green fields and forests which also allows the tourists to soak in the beautiful view of the hill. 

The hill also provides the tourists with a beautiful view of the River Lokapavani as this aesthetically beautiful hill is located on the banks of this sacred river. It is said that this hill is the only hill that tourists get to see in this area.

The hill is also known by the name of Chikka Tirupati among the tourists. It has been so because of the presence of Lord Srinivasa, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, atop the hill. Surrounded by serene ambiance, the temple located atop the hill is famously known as Karighatta among tourists.

The black hill is known among the tourists enchanting them with its peaceful and religious. Therefore, this place has become famous among the tourists and the locals alike. So, if you are someone who is going to Karnataka for the first time and is unsure about where to go then you need not have to worry because this hill is the perfect location for you. 

If one were to translate the name Karighatta into Kannada, then one would realize that it means Elephant Hills. The hill is also known to have a Hindu temple devoted to a form of Lord Vishnu called Kari Girivasa. The deity is also known as Lord Srinivasa among the devotees.

The deity is also called Bairagi Venkataramana. The epithet ‘Bairagi’ for this idol is derived from the fact that when ‘Malankara’ flower decoration is done to the deity, the deity looks like a Bairagi also known as a mendicant. Therefore, the significance of this temple increases even more. 

This hill, which is located on the top of Karighatta Hill, is also known as Black Hill in Kannada. The temple is built to worship Lord Srinivasa, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. This temple is famous among tourists for being associated with two legends in Hindu mythology. It is believed that this temple was built when Sage Kutsamuni performed its penance to pray to Lord Srinivasa to bring back to life four maidens [devotees of Lord Shiva] who were killed by an elephant called Kari.

 Besides this legend, there is another legend which is famous among the tourists. It is believed that during Treta-yuga, during the rule of Lord Ramachandra, he was constructing a bridge to Lanka to save Goddess Sita. To build the bridge, the entire monkey army was looking for stones and boulders.

The entire army was bringing hills for the construction and so was Sugriva, the king of the monkey army. When he brought this hill, at that time this hill was known by the name of Nilachala, from Tirumala for helping to make this bridge to Lanka. However, at the request of the devotees of Lord Vishnu, he left the hill here and therefore it came to be known as Karighatta hills. 

The best part of Karighatta temple is its impeccable architecture. The temple is famous among the tourists for its grand entrance. The entrance greets the devotees with its big wooden doors which give way to the quadrangular-shaped shrine. This shrine is also said to be the main shrine for Vaikunta Srinivasa in black stone.

It is flanked by Yoga Srinivasa [without his consort] and Bhoga-shaped idols. Inside the shrine, the tourists also get to see a 6-foot-tall black stone which is accompanied by an idol of Yogi Srinivasa on the left side and Bhoga Srinivasa on the right side. Inside the temple, one can also find a Kalayna Mandap which is used for performing marriages and other functions.

The temple of Goddess Parvathi is found on the western side while facing the temple is a statue of Garuda and a Garudasthamba. It is also believed that the great sage Bhrigu has done the Pratishthapana also known as the installation ceremony of the deity.

There is a hill that is perched atop the temple after a series of 450 steps. The hill provides the tourists with a beautiful and scenic view of Mysore and Srinagarapatna. Hence, the architecture has become one of the prime reasons for tourists to visit this beautiful peaceful, religious place. 

This temple is famous among tourists for celebrating the annual car festival which is celebrated in February and March every year. Tourists across the country come to the temple during this time to witness the beautiful yet interesting car festival.

This festival is believed to be initiated by the sage Vaikhansa. It is said that this festival was initiated as early as during treta-yuga. The practice of celebrating this festival is continued and an annual fair takes place during the Kumbh Mass Palguna [February-March]. 

If you are someone who is visiting Karnataka for the first time and is planning to visit the temple on weekdays, then you can go to the temple as early as 10 am. However, the temple closes at 2 pm. On weekends and public holidays, the temple opens up at 10 am and closes at 7 pm. Thus, it gives the tourists a good amount of time to explore the temple.

If you are someone who is visiting Karnataka for the first time and is unsure about where to go after visiting the temple then you need not have to worry because here are some places which you should visit to make your trip even more memorable. 

Gumbad-e-shahi: One of the most beautiful places to visit in Karnataka. This place is famous among the tourists for its beautiful view. This place, which is surrounded by a scenic and beautiful landscape, is said to be one of the most important historical landmarks of the state. The place houses the graves of Tipu Sultan and his father Hyder Ali. Therefore, this place is one of the most important places to visit in Karnataka. 

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: If you are someone who loves to observe birds and soak in the beautiful view of nature then this place is definitely for you. This bird sanctuary is said to be one of the largest bird sanctuaries in Karnataka. This place is believed to be the heaven for bird and nature lovers.

This place allows the tourists to spot as many beautiful birds as they can. Once here, tourists can see the birds of many species ranging from Peafowl to Little Egrets. One can also find birds like Darter, Wild Duck, and many more animals like this. 

Tipu Sultan’s Museum and Summer Palace: If you are someone who loves to witness the beautiful architectural buildings and loves history then visiting this place is a must. This place allows the tourists to witness the exquisite museum and several artifacts that date back to the time of Tipu Sultan, therefore this gem of a place becomes a must-visit destination for the tourists.

The place, which is built in an Indo-Islamic style of architecture, is believed to be the famous summer place of Tipu Sultan. The place is said to be built in the year 1791. So, if you are someone who loves to visit places of historical significance then you should visit this place. 

Mysore Palace: The palace which is also known by the name of Ambar Vilas Palace, is said to be one of the most visited places in Karnataka. The palace is also said to be a royal residence of the Wodeyar dynasty. This aesthetically beautiful is famous among tourists for its grand architecture which holds many elements that attract tourists to this place. So, if you are someone who loves museums then you should visit this place. 

Visiting a new place is always difficult yet a learning experience for everyone. From deciding which places to go to choosing an accommodation. It never has been easy for anyone. While some may argue that choosing a destination abroad is more difficult, I believe that choosing a destination both abroad and in India is equally difficult. If you are someone who is visiting a place like Karnataka for the first time and is unsure about what places to go to then you should visit Karighatta Hills. 

The best part about visiting this beautiful hill is that it not only provides tourists with a beautiful view of Mysore but it also boasts some really good resorts which ensure that your stay in Karnataka becomes memorable.

If you are wondering about where to stay in Karighatta Hills, then you can choose to live in resorts like Royal Orchid Metropole, Mysore, or Grand Mercure in Mysore. You can also choose to live in Hotel Lok Sagar or Mayura River View, Srinagarpatna. All of these resorts are known for their impeccable hospitality and comfortable living which ensures that you have a memorable stay.