Tuesday, 27 December 2016

TEMPLES OF MRITYUNJAY KARNA IN INDIA

This thread is meant to unfold unknown information about popular temples, culture and rituals related to Karna in India. This thread shall cover all those popular temples in India where Karna has been worshipped as god.



INDEX

1. Karneshwar Temple Of Karna, Sangmeshwar, Maharashtra

2. Karna And Suyodhana Temples, Sarnaul (Tamas Valley), Uttarakhand

3. Temple Of Karna, Deora (Tamas Valley), Uttarakhand

4. Temple Of Karna, Hastinapur, Uttar Pradesh

5. Temple Of Karna, Karanwas, Uttar Pradesh

6. Tulsiwadi Temple Of Karna, Surat, Gujrat

7. Temple Of Karna, Karnprayag, UttaraKhand

8. Total 108 Temples Of Lord Mahunag (Karna), Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

9. Manas Kamna Nath Temple Of Karna, Bhagolpur, Bihar

10. Folk Culture To Worship Karna As The Lord Of Charity, Karandighi, West Bengal

11. Temple Of Suyodhana And Karna, Malanda, Kerala

12. Column With Image Of Karna Inside Bharat Temple, Porbandar, Gujrat

13. Statue Of Karna, Bali Airport, Indonesia

14. Sculpture Of Karna In Nelliaippar Temple, Tamilnadu

15. Fort Of Karna, Thanesar, Haryana


A) KARNESHWAR TEMPLE OF KARNA - SANGMESHWAR, MAHARASHTRA



Karneshwar temple in Sangameswar is an old and mysterious temple of Lord Shiva along with a minor temple of Karna of Mahabharat. This temple is named after Karna. Sangameswar is a place located in the Ratnagiri district in Maharastra.This is located near the Goa Mumbai highway and more than 360 KM far from Mumbai. Karneshwar Temple is located at a place which is 4 KM far from the Sangameswar. There is a minor golden yellow colored temple which islocated at the entrance of the premises is dedicated to Karna. A beautiful Idol of karna is also located in that minor temple. The priests of the Temple say that this is a temple is 5000 years old. The architecture and the sculpture of the temple is simpler than the temples and caves which are 1000-2000 years old and located at the adjacent places. Plus there is a sitting arrangement which is also of more that 5 fit of height and very unsuitable for the average height people of recent time. But the priest say that the ppl were relatively taller 5000 years ago so that sitting arrangements was suitable for them only.

B) KARNA AND SUYODHANA TEMPLES - SARNAUL (TAMAS VALLEY), UTTARAKHAND
Tamas/Tons river is one of the the major tributary to the to river Yamuna. Tamas/Tons river valley in located in uttarkashi district in Uttaranchal. This is located almost 3700 ft above from sea level. Other than the heavenly scenic beauty this valley is famous for it's unique cultural aspects. The localities are devoted to the famous Kauravas who were considered as the antagonist gang of the great Indian epic Mahabharata.

Mythological Info :

1) Once upon a time king Duryadhan was travelling from Kashmir to Hastinapur and he reached to the place and totally mesmerised with the scenic beauty of that place. Then he requested the Local deity Mahasu to donate him a portion of that region which Lord Mahasu granted open heartedly. From then King Duryadhan became the ruler of that region. Till now people believe that he is protecting that place.
2) There was a King named as Brubahan who was the king of that region. He admired Karna- Duryadhan very much and wanted to participate in kuru war for the kauravas. But lord Krishna got afraid with his warfare skill and tricked him and stopped him to participate in kuru war. But king Brubahan cried at every defeat of kauravas which formed the Tamas river . till now local people do not drink the water of that river as they believe that the tear of King Brubahan is still flowing in that river. After the war King Brubahan gave shelter to the rest of the kaurava followers at his region and they started the culture to worship king Duryadhan as their god along with his most beloved friend and strongest ally of kauravas, King karna who was the king of Anga.

Historical Info:

It is said after the fall of grand kuru army in the great Kurukshetra war the rest of the kaurava followers took shelter at that tamas valley region. They respected Kauravas and started to worship King Duryadhan who was the eldest kaurava along with his strongest ally, King of Anga named as Karna. It is said that Tamas river is formed with the tear of Kaurava followers and till now they do not drink the water of that river as they believe that the tear is still flowing in it. The inhabitants of that region claimed that they are the decadents of Kauravas

Karna and Duryadhan Temples which are Located in Tamas valley:

A) Karna Temple at Sarnaul

The most famous place in Tamas river valley is Netwar, which is almost 183 Km away from Dehradhun.The most famous Temple of that valley is dedicated to king Karna who was the best friend of King Duryadhan and eldest son of queen Kunti. That temple is located ½ mile away from Netwar in a small village Named as Sarnaul. The temple Have a rectangular wooden Structure with roof made with slates. The top of the temple contains a vast wooden umbrella and the wodden column and beams were decorated with beautiful sculpture s of birds , reptiles and scenes of Mahabharata.There is a Shiv linga and a statue of Nandi is located in the temple premises. Anykind of photography in the temple premises is highly prohibited as the local ppl people claimed that it would invite

B) Duryadhan temple in Jhakol

In the village Jakhol, the biggest temple dedicated to Duryodhan, the eldest of the Kauravas. All the Duryadhan temples have three chambered rectangular wodden structure. And except the temple of Jhakol none of the uryadhan temple of that region contain any idol. Only Jhakol temple contains the Idol of Duryadhan as the local people believe that is the main seat of lord Duryadhan. This entire region of sporadic villages is considered to be the domain of King Duryodhana . The man whom the spirit of Duryodhana visits is called Maali. He issues orders while the spirit has taken over his ‘subjects’ carry them out in-defiantly. In other cases, Sayanas, or the elderly, of the villages issue orders, which are final. But, if problems still remain or are not solved, King Duryodhana is approached for the final and unquestionable judgement.The reason being that complaints are hardly directed to the government representatives like Patwari because Duryodhana is the final word.

C) Other Temples of Duryadhan

Other than Jhakol there are many Small and almost same structured temples, located in adjacent places like Saur, Datmir, Osala etc which are dedicated to King Duryadhan.

D) Temple dedicated to Lord Poku

According to the folk tradition and popular beliefs of people of the rupin and supin valley (twin rivers of that valley.Their confluence make River Tamas/tons), Pokhu Devta is the God of Law and Order. The temple of Pokhu Devta is in the old village of Netwar at the confluence of the Rupin and Supin rivers. It is a wooden temple. It is similar to Karna Mandir at Sarnaul. In the inner chamber of the temple a Shivling is installed. Pokhu’s chamber is positioned behind a Shivling. Inside of the temple the sacrificial altar has splashes of dried blood on it. The god is not shown to anyone, as his image will create horror. It is for this reason that even the priest, while worshipping him, stands with his back towards him. The idol is worshipped with one’s back towards it.
Pokhu is a deputy of Karna and an attendant of Lord Shiva. He is terrible and unrelenting in punishing his erring followers. Therefore the incidence of theft in this valley is unheard of.

Rituals, Fairs and Festivals:

Every year, Duryodhana’s tour starts on the 21st of Ashada month when all Sayanas assemble in Jakhol andwhich Sayanas and Bajgis to take part in the procession. The head pujari and bajigi tour and meet other sayanas and bajgis in different villages. The pujaris of the Duryodhana temples are strangely Khas Rajputs of Jakhol and Phitari villages, who also join the procession. On 25th of Asharha, Duryodhana Maharaj arrives in Kotegaon, another seat of the Lord, where he is welcomed by the representatives of the 21 villages and a fair is held in Kotegaon from 25th till 27th. The next day, i.e. 28th, is for carrying the Doli to Datmer village of the Badasu belt, where a similar fair is organised. 30th of Asharha is the day for the rest for the deity.Only dhoop deepam are offered and Arati is performed in the evening. Duryodhana’s caravan arrives in Fitari village on the first of Shravana where he is appeased with dishes cooked in milk and ghee. On 2nd of the month, famous Soni fair is held in Fitari and the same night the Doli retreats back to Jakholi where a fair is held on 3rd and 4th, traditional dances of men and women are also organised. The 5th day of Shravana is the day for rest. The idol arrives in Dhara village the next day where again a fair is held. Finally, Doli is carried to Osla on 19th. Fair, dancing, merrymaking, eating and drinking go on and thus concludes the tour of Duryodhana Maharaj. Raksha Pher, the next phase of the tour, starts on the same line. On the 15th day of Pausha, Duryodhana arrives in his capital village of Jakhol, where his return is celebrated by all young or old equally, turning the ambience perfectly euphoric as crazy dancing and drinking go on through the night.”

Image Info : http://goo.gl/l530kx



Pic 1 - Karna temple in Sarnaul
Pic 2 - Temple of lord Poku
Pic 3 - Duryadhan temple at Jhakol
Pic 4 - Duryadhan temple at Saur

C) TEMPLE OF KARNA - DEORA (TAMAS VALLEY), UTTARAKHAND

 Image - http://goo.gl/sPm0l6





It is the one of the most famous temple of karna at Deora village which is at half an hours walk from Netwar village. The temple is a rectangular wood structure with roofs lined with slates. The top of the temple has a wooden umbrella. The wooden beams and coloums are decorated with carvings of birds, animals, reptiles and scenes from the Mahabharatha.

Rituals, Fairs and Festivals:

Outside the temple is a small ground where during Makar Sankranti the festival of ball is held. The hide of a dead cow is shaped into a ball with stones and mud. 2 teams fight for the ball to get it on to their side. It probably is the earliest forms of rugby. The story goes like this -since karna defeated Ghatokhgatch in the battle of Mahabharatha; the ball is named after him and playing with him in the temple of Karna is intended to humiliate the vanquished.

Karn devta Pujan- The people of Singtur Patti perform Karna Puja time to time in Karna temple at Debra Village.

Karna Divta Puja in Naitwad- Here in Naitwad, big fair and ritual performance is held to worship Karna at karna Mandir.

D) TEMPLE OF KARNA - HASTINAPUR, UTTAR PRADESH







The is the ancient temple of Karna, greatest hero of epic mahabharat. It is said that Karn Temple in Hastinapur was built before 5000 years ago. It was dedicated to Lord Shiva. It houses a Shiv Lingam in its interior which, according to the legends, was provided by Daan Vir Karn, the greatest heroes of Mahabharat. The epic of Mahabharat is replete with numerous stories of Karn’s generosity and heroism. The temple is located on a mound on the bank of the old river Ganga. Though a small almost a one room structure, it draws large number of devotees, pilgrims and visitors round the year. The temple is covered with dark pink paint. Efforts are being made to renovate the temple by building more structures around it.

E) TEMPLE OF KARNA - KARANWAS, UTTAR PRADESH

 Image - http://goo.gl/spz2J7




The ancient temple of Karna is situated at karanwas (Biggest Religious Tourism Destination), District Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. It is said that this is famous spot where generous karna used to donate food and gold to poor people. This site is famous as 'Karn Shila' site. He gave a donation of savaman (50 kg) gold at this place daily. so this palce named by his name. This Village situated near the bank of river Ganga.

F) TULSIWADI TEMPLE OF KARNA - SURAT, GUJRAT



निर्विघ्न कुरु मे कर्ण : सर्व कार्येषु सर्वदा !!

Tulsiwadi temple of Karna is located near Surat, Gujrat. This ancient temple is located on the Tapi/Tapti river bank. It is said that Lord krishna did funeral of Karna at this place with the help of yogic Fire.

Note - Most authentic jaimini version too mentioned that the lord krishna himself did funeral of Karna and this ancient temple is the biggest proof of this authentic story.

G) TEMPLE OF KARNA - KARNPRAYAG, UTTARAKHAND



The place is considered to be the holy place, where most heroic characters of the epic Mahabharata, Karna worshiped the god of sun, thus name after Karna as Karnaprayag. This temple is devoted to both Karna and Uma devi. The place is situated on the foot hills of Badrinath and at the exact convergence of the two rivers of Pindar and Alaknanda. The legend goes that the epic character, karma meditated at Karnaprayag for numerous years in order to attain the invincible shield which would make him a very strong warrior who would be impossible to defeat. Another famous history associated with place is that, being follower of Karna, the great swami Vivekananda stayed and meditated for a stretch of 18 long days with the famous Guru Turainandhji, Akharananda and Guru Bhai for peace of mind.

H) 108 TEMPLES OF LORD MAHUNAG (KARNA) - MANDI, HIMACHAL PRADESH

Lord Mahunag is one of the major deity whom the public of Mandi District Which is located more than 150 KM away from the Capital Shimla Of the state Himachal Pradesh. That place is located at 1830 meter above the sea level.All most throughout the year the local people worship Lord Mahunag. They believe that Lord Mahunag is the ruler of that region and always protect them or help them to overcome any type of problem in their life including legal disputes and family difference. Sunday is the believed to be the most auspicious day to visit Lord Mahunag and worship him. Every year 18th july is the date which the local ppl celebrate as the birthday of lord Mahunag. The deity is welcomed by everyone to attend the family functions and people seek his blessings. Also during the Navratras, in March – April and the Navratras before Diwali, the deity is taken out and taken around the area. Total 5 days long big fair is held on every Sankranti in the village. All the villagers get together. A feast is organised by the community and the sounds of drums can be heard across the valley. Once in twelve years, the deity is taken to Kedarnath – One of the four main Dhams, (holy places), of Hindu’s, for holy bath. The villagers carry the deity in a palanquin and walk across the mountains to reach Kedarnath.

Who is Lord Mahunag?

Lord mahunag is none other than Karna of Mahabharat who is known as Mahunag at this local region

Mythological believes :

It is local believe that Lord Krishna granted a boon to Karna of Mahabharat that in Kaliyug he will be born to help the people and people will worship him as a god. So at the beginning of the kaliyug Karna Appeared as a serpent in the Mahu village which was located to the western portion of Madni.Gradually He became the Rular and protector of that region and till now protect the ppls from any problems in their life. All the temples in the Mandi having western faced entrance(becoz they believe their god come from west as Mahunag appeared in Mahu villages which was located in western portion of Mandi) and a small temple at the entrance , dedicated to Serpent.

Historical Information:

Once the powerful Mughal army attacked that region. Then the king of that place was Shyam Sen. He was a adarent devotee of Karna. After several attempts Mughals were unable to enter that region. King Shayam Sen and his followers strictly believed that miracle was happened only due to the blessing of lord Karna.He protected his followers from that extreme danger. On the year 1664 the Mull Mahunag temple, the biggest temple of that region dedicated to lord Mahunag aka lord karna) was built by king Shayam Sen and Since then all the rituals for Lord Mahunag/Lord karna was started at that place.

Temples of Mahunag :

Mull Mahunaag temple - That is a beautiful medieval aged mountain temple located at a place which is 25 Km away from Karsog meket (a subdision of district Mandi).That is the biggest temple of that place dedicated to lord Mahunag. It is Said King Shayam Sen built that temple of the year 1664 .The Idol of this temple is of Lord karna which is fully made by Silver.No gold offerings are allowed in any rituals which are related to lord Mahunag/lord karna(as the local people believe that Lord karna was the greatest philanthropist and did the charity of gold throughout his life so anykind of gold offerings is one n only his right no one else can do it. Along with this Mull Mahunag temple there are total 108 Mahunag temples is located in Himachal Pradesh.

Image Info : http://goo.gl/I42Ugx



Pic 1 & 2 - Silver made IDOL of lord karna in Mull Mahunag Temple.(Karsog)
Pic 3 - Mull Mahunag Temple in Mandi
Pic 4 - Palanquin Ride of Lord Karna/Lord Mahunag during the Navratras.
Pic 5 - Other Mahunag temples in the adjacent area.

I) MANAS KAMNA NATH TEMPLE OF KARNA - BHAGOLPUR, BIHAR

Bhagolpur is an old town situated in the eastern Bihar on the bank of river Ganga. Bhagalpur finds reference in the Indian epics Ramayan and Mahabharat. Bhagalpur formed a part of Angika, an ancient kingdom on India, popularly known as Anga said to be ruled by Kunti’s eldest son, Karna. The temple of Manas-Kamna at Karnagarh in Nathnagar is dedicated to the memory of this generous king.

KarnaGargh is a famous place in Bhagalpur. It is said that, once upon a time the palace of king kama /karna was located at that place. That palace was connected with Ganga river bank with under ground tunnel.Everyday King karna woke up early in the morning and went to the river bank where he did his daily worship to lord Surya via that underground tunnel. After that he came back to the Manas Kamna Nath temple where he worshiped lord Shiva and Devi Chandi.It is said that the temple itself along with the Shivling within it was established by king Karna himself. There is a rock beside that temple which is called Manas Kamna Nath chawk. It is said, that is the famous rock where karna did his charity in Dwapar yug. People from all over India came to that place with their different wishes and king Karna fulfilled everyone's wish .Till date many ppl come to that temple along with their unfulfilled desires and worship Karna . Localities believe that King Karna full fill everyone's desire





Pic Site map of Manas Kamna Nath Temple in Bhagalpur , Bihar.

J) FOLK CULTURE TO WORSHIP KARNA AS THE LORD OF CHARITY - KARNANDIGHI, WEST BENGAL

Karandighi/Karnadighi is the name of a block,located in Islumpur Subdivision of the District Uttar Dinajpur of the sate West Bengal.This place is located at 32 km west from the District Head Quarter Raigaunj.

According to the legends ,This place is named after Karna of Mahabharat.During the era of Mahabharat King Karna was the Rular of this place( It is considered that during the period of Mahabharat some portion of Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur and Murshidabad districts of West bengal was the part of Anga kingdom along with Bhagalpur and Munger district of Bihar ).
There is a Large Dighi /taalao ( vast water body ) which is named as Karnadighi /karandighi is located in that place.According to the local legends king Karna dug this talao /dighi by himself to help his ppl of this area. And till now the water of this talao/Dighi is considered as the holy water as this blessed with king Karna.

Till today, every year on the last day of the month of Chaitra and the Ist day of the month of Baishakh ( Chaitra and Baishak are the 12th and Ist month respectively in Bengali calendar)many hindu ppl gathered at that place and take their holy birth in that dighi/talao.Ppl believe that this holy bath help them to earn religious merits .Ppl come to that place with their unfulfilled wishes and worship Karna. They believe that lord Karna will definitely fulfill all of their their wishes.Even many Barren women come at that place and and worship Karna after taking holy bath with a wish to get their own progeny.A two days fair also held at that place on that occasion.

Source :-Human fertility cults and rituals of Bengal :A comparative study by Pradyut Kumar Maity.



Pic location map of the Place Karnadighi/Karandighi.

K) TEMPLE OF DURYODHANA AND KARNA - MALANDA, KERALA

Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanada, popularly known as Peruviruthy Malanada or Malanada is the only Duryodhana Temple in South India. It is located at Edakkad Ward (Kara) of Poruvazhy village in Kunnathoor Taluk of Kollam district (Kerala State), India. This place is the northern border of Kollam district which Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts share the boundaries. The temple is located equidistant from Adoor (M C Road) to the Northeast and Sasthamcottah to the Southeast. It is also reachable from Kayamkulam and Karunagappally on the NH 47 and Kottarakkara (via Puthoor or Enathu) on the MC road (approximately 25 km from each centre).

Historical Info :

The association of Duryodhana (Suyodhana) and this place goes back to the times when Pandavas were in exile after they lost their “everything” in the game of dice. Every action of Pandavas reached the palace Eternity of Hastinapur as there were informers who timely gave information about the Pandavas. Soon, Suyodhana got to know about Arjuna gaining celestial weapon. Highly sad of his acquisition, he went into depression. Nothing pleased him. Karna, his friend then suggested that they should go in search of them, and find them. Duryodhana then began his journey to the southern forest and finally reached where the Malanada Temple is positioned at present. He was so exhausted that he knocked the nearby house and asked for water without realizing that the house belonged to a chieftain of the shudra tribe, Kurava. A elderly woman immediately offered him a toddy to drink (a custom as a respect to Kings) along with a herbal concoction which could ease his exhaustion.Refreshed, the Hastinapur Yuvraj got up to thank the woman and to his surprise noticed her mangalsutra, which indicated her social status. As per the customs, none of the Kshatriya should eat or drink anything offered by the lower classes. Moreover, it was a crime for any low caste person to offer drinks and eatables to a Kshatriya. The woman feared that she would be punished for her crime. However, Duryodhana astonished her by saying, “Mother, there is no caste for thirst and hunger.” He was touched by the helping nature of the lady – a lady who risked her own life to help a thirsty prince.He did not punish her at all, nor he gave her shrap unlike others. Instead, he sat in dhyan on the nearby hill and started worshipping Lord Shiva for the welfare of the Kurava tribe, praying that no divine wrath should be casted upon the tribesmen for feeding a Kshatriya. This surprised the villagers who rushed in to see the unique high born man who was way different from all the proudy upper caste men who punished them severely and treated them only as downtroddens. Duryodhana then donated the tribesman, 101 yojanas of land and announced that he was gifting them a temple with no idol. He insisted that the priest of the temple would be a Kurava untouchable only.Till this date the priest of the temple with no idol are the descendants of the old woman. However, the presiding deity is Duryodhana and the minor dieties include his mother Gandhari and his friend Karna

Festival and Rituals:

(Malakkuda Festival) The annual festival at Malanada is known as ‘Malakkuda’(Mala means hill – the temple and Kuda, umbrella – an ornamental one used by Oorali, the priest, during ceremonial occasions.). It is celebrated during the summer, during the second half of March every year .Swarna Kodi

Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanada Devaswom very proudly keeps under lock & key a Gold Flag(Swarnakkodi). It is the status symbol of Malanada Appooppan(local name of duryadhan meaning is grandfather ).Public ‘Darshan’ of Swarnakkodi is permitted only on auspicious days like ‘Kodiyettu Day’, ‘Malakkuda Maholsavam Day’, etc. It is believed that the ‘Darshan’ of the Swarnakkodi brings home goodness and prosperity

Image Info : http://goo.gl/4qENyG



Pic-1: Malanda Duryadhan temple
Pic-2: Worshipping of Karna in Malanda temple
Pic-3: Swarna Kodi
Pic-4: Malakkuda Festivals

L) COLUMN WITH IMAGE OF KARNA INSIDE BHARAT TEMPLE - PORBANDAR, GUJRAT



न कर्णन समो दाता !!

Column with image of ancient epic king Karna inside bharat mandir or temple of India. Bharat mandir is the famous sight in porbandar, this temple dedicated to country India and famous Indians

M) STATUE OF KARNA - BALI AIRPORT, INDONESIA




The most famous statue of the Karna and Ghatotkach fight has located at Bali Island, Indonesia. This statue depicts the night of 14th day of Mahabharata War. This statue showed the story when Karna had released the divine weapon which he kept for Arjuna. This act did killed Ghatotkacha on spot

N) SCULPTURE OF KARNA IN NELLIAIPPAR TEMPLE - TAMILNADU




In Tamil Nadu there is The famous and very rare Karna Statue/Sculpture at Nelliaippar Temple in Tamil Nadu. Nelliappar Temple is a famous temple in south India dedicated to lord shiva. That temple is renowned for the beautiful sculptures on it's wall.Many quoted that mesmerizing stone work on the temple's wall as the the best one. Even R N Tagore once quoted about the temple as "where stone talk itself".There are many sculpture of different mythological characters in that temple. but that Karna sculpture is considered the finest among them. Here Karna is depicted as a confident worrier with his destructive Nagastra.Many tourist visit that temple every year

O) FORT OF KARNA - THANESAR, HARYANA







The ancient site known as Raja Karna-ka-Kila (the fort of King Karna), is a vast mound about 5-km west- southwest of Thanesar. The mound is about 10 m high from the general ground level. The excavation in the main mound revealed a three-fold series. In a mound located 200m to the east of the main mound, the excavation revealed a protohistoric habitation. A structural complex of mud-brick walls consisting of twin rooms, was exposed. A fireplace, a refuge pit, an oven and a corn bin were encountered in the bigger room. The smaller room is almost square in plan with a small entrance on the southeast.Two structural phases were noticed. The bricks used in the structures are of the size 40x20x10 cm. Noteworthy finds of the period included a large number of beads of agate, crystal, faience, jasper, steatite and carnelian ; a beautiful figurine of a stag and circular and triangular cakes among other things. It is believed to be the site of Karna's military camp from where he surveyed the army under his charge during the great war.

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Hand down....Vrisha Karna...!!

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