Karighatta
About Karighatta
Karighatta is the hillock located 2697 feet above sea level in Srirangapatana taluk Mandya district. This place also attracts trekkers for its beautiful view of Srirangapatana town from its top. The Karighatta means “Elephant Hill” (Kari means Elephant Ghatta means Hill). The top of the hill is not accessible by motor vehicles, till the temple road is available. The main deity of this place is Lord Srinivasa/BairagiVenkataramana/Karigirivasa. The river Lokapavani (Tributary of river Cauvery) crosses the hill.
History of Karighatta
Karighatta is sourrounded by the trees like Tamarind, Gooseberry and largely grown gross (Dharbe). There is a temple in the mid-way of the hill which can be reached by vehicles through road or by claiming 450 number of steps. After the temple vehicles are not allowed. This place has mythological as well as historical importance. During the war of Srirangapatana, the British used this place to store the weapon.
The temple of Karigirinivas (Lord Vishnu) is also called as Bairagi Venkataramana since the 6 feet Vishnu statue looks like Bairagi after flower decoration. The installation of the idol is believed to be done by great sage BhriguMaharshi. The footprints of Lord Vishnu present behind the temple are called “Vishnu Pada”.
Annual car festival
The annual car festival started during tetra yuga. It was first initiated by sage Vaikhanasa. The annual car festival is celebrated during Kumbha masa Phalguna (Feb- march) every year. A lot of devotees attend the festival to get the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
Mythological Importance of Karighatta
Varaha Purana
Varaha Purana mentions the Neelachala which means Blue Mountain in Sanskrit and also says performing Pooja tot his hill can relive from problems in life.
The Varaha Purana also says that the darbbehullu is derived from the body hairs of Vishnu. The Varahaavatari Vishnu shook his body the hairs fell down and grown as grass. This grass is believed to be very holy and used to perform Poojas. This darbbe is found in karighatta to a greater extent.
Kutsamuni story
In the tetra yuga there exists a great sage called Kutsamuni. Once a wild elephant attacked a girl taking bath in the river and killed them. It is believed that the sage prayed lord Vishnu and bring back there life.
Story of Sugreeva
It is believed that during the period of Ramayana to construction bridge to Sri Lanka to get back Sita from srilankaSugreeva brought “Neelachala”(Blue mountain) from Thirumala (Thirupathi). The devotees of Lord Vishnu requested Sugreeva to place this hill in this place.as per the request of devotees of Vishnu the blue hill was placed near Srirangaptana.
There is also sayings that when Lakshmana got hurt by Meghanada in Ramayana Hanuman carried this hill thinking that this hill has Sanjeevini plant. Later hanuman realized that this hill does not contain the plant he dropped the hills at Srirangapatana.
The architecture of Karighata Temple
The temple has huge wooden doors at the entrance it opens to a large courtyard. The temple encloses 6-foot tool Vaikunta Srinivasa idol carved in black stone followed by Yoga Srinivasa and Bhoga Srinivasa idols. The idol of goddess Padmavathi facing west side situated separately. The temple also encloses Garudastambha and Kalyana mandapa (marriage hall).
Karighata Temple Entry Fees
No Entry Fees
Karighatta Temple Timings
Mon – Fri: 10.00 A.M to 2.00 PM.
Sat, Sun and Public holidays: 10.00 AM to 7.00 PM.
Best time to Visit Karighata :
During winter and Car festival (Jatre)
Karighatta Temple Website
There Is No Official Website
Karighatta Temple Email
There Is No Official Email Address
Karighatta Temple Phone Number
There Is No Contact Number
Karighata Temple Address
Karighatta,
Kallikoppalu Village,
Srirangapatna,
Mandya -571807
Karighatta Temple Accommodation
The temple has no accommodation facilities for devotees.
There are Good Hotels available in Srirangapatana which has online booking facilities. Some of the hotels are listed below.
Places near Karighatta Temple
Daria Daulat Bagh / Tipu Sultan Summer Palace
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Gumbaz
Jumma Masjid / Masjid-e-Ala
Karighatta
Ranganathaswamy Temple
Kshanambika devi temple
Kunti Betta
Karighatta Temple Distance
Bangalore to Karighata Temple – 125 kilometres
Mysore to Karighatta Temple – 25 kilometres
Srirangapatna to Karighatta Temple – 7.7 kilometres
How to reach Karighatta Temple
KSRTC (Bus)
KSRTC and Private Buses are available from Bangalore to Mysore(fare: ₹110/-) from there you can reach Srirangapatna bus stop.
From there, the temple can be reached by Auto, no buses are available
Uber is also available from Mysore city it costs fare: ₹250/-.
ISRTC(Train)
Trains are available from Mysore and Bangalore, you have to get down at Srirangapatna or Pandavapura Railway Station. (fare: ₹55/-) from Bangalore. From Railway station the temple can be reached by Auto, no buses are available
NOTE – please do contact Indian Railways (IRCTC) for better clarity on train timings & updated Pricing.
Air
Nearest International Airport( kempegowda airport Bangalore) is 168 Kms from Sri Nimishamba Temple.
Nearest Domestic Airport (Mandakalli Airport Mysore) is 38 Kms from Karighatta Temple
Bike / Car
Bangalore to Srirangapattana
Majestic (Kempe Gowda bus station) – Nayandahalli – Bidadi – Kengeri – Ramanagara – Channapattana – Madduru- Mandya- Srirangapattana- Karighatta Temple