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
Image - http://goo.gl/
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
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.The
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
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
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/
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
Image - http://goo.gl/
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/
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
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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
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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
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/
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 /
Map Info : http://goo.gl/
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/
According to the legends ,This place is named after Karna of Mahabharat.Duri
There is a Large Dighi /taalao ( vast water body ) which is named as Karnadighi /
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/
Source :-Human fertility cults and rituals of Bengal :A comparative study by Pradyut Kumar Maity.
Map Info : http://goo.gl/
Pic location map of the Place Karnadighi/
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.Refr
Festival and Rituals:
(Malakkuda Festival) The annual festival at Malanada is known as ‘Malakkuda’(Mal
Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanada Devaswom very proudly keeps under lock & key a Gold Flag(Swarnakkod
Image Info : http://goo.gl/
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
Image - http://goo.gl/
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
Image - http://goo.gl/
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
Image - http://goo.gl/
In Tamil Nadu there is The famous and very rare Karna Statue/
O) FORT OF KARNA - THANESAR, HARYANA
Image - http://goo.gl/
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.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Hand down....Vrisha Karna...!!
Great ,hail Mrityunjaya karna
ReplyDeleteI can't believe Karna is that much famous
ReplyDeletemrithyunjaya karn ki jay!!!!
ReplyDeletekarn is the real hero of mahabharat and 1st rank in the world top ten mahabharat characters
ReplyDelete