pilgrimages: Karighatta

Karighatta – The Sacred Abode of Lord Srinivasa.

Karighatta is a sacred hill shrine nestled near Srirangapatna, rising to an altitude of about 2,697 feet. At the summit stands an ancient and divine temple of Lord Venkateshwara, the supreme form of Sri Maha Vishnu, worshipped here as Sri Srinivasa. The majestic black stone idol, standing over six feet tall, is believed to have been consecrated by the great sage Bhrigu Maharshi. Devotees firmly believe that sincere prayers and poojas offered here bring positive transformations, peace, and divine grace into their lives.

The hill is adorned with sacred Dharbe (Darbha grass), long and sharp in form. Legend says that during the Varaha Avatar, when Lord Vishnu shook His divine body, a few strands of His sacred hair fell upon this hill, giving rise to the revered Dharbe grass that still grows here today.

Lord Venkateshwara of Karighatta is lovingly known as Bairagi Venkataramana, Karigirivasa, and Srinivasa. Along with the main deity Sri Srinivasa, the temple houses shrines of Yoga Srinivasa, Bhoga Srinivasa, Goddess Padmavathi, and Lord Hanuman. Owing to its spiritual significance and resemblance to Tirumala, devotees fondly call this holy place “Chikka Tirupati.”