The annual Mallenahalli Sri Deviramma Temple Jatre Festival is one of the most unique and spiritually significant festivals in Karnataka. Held at the sacred hill shrine near Bindiga village in Mallenahalli, close to Chikkamagaluru, the festival attracts lakhs of devotees every year during Naraka Chaturdashi, the day before Deepavali. Mallenahalli Sri Deviramma Temple Jatre Festival 2026 date is November 8.
Perched amidst the scenic Chandra Drona hill ranges, the hilltop temple of Goddess Deviramma opens to devotees only once in an entire year, making the pilgrimage deeply special and highly revered.
About Sri Deviramma Temple
Mallenahalli Sri Deviramma Temple is located atop the majestic Deviramma Hill at an elevation of nearly 3,000 feet. The temple lies close to Bindiga village near Mallenahalli in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka.
According to local belief, Goddess Durga rested on this hill after slaying the demon Mahishasura to calm her divine fury. Devotees believe the Goddess continues to reside on the sacred hill even today.
The hill shrine, known as Giri Deviramma Temple, has no permanent walls or doors and remains closed throughout the year except on Naraka Chaturdashi. On this auspicious day, devotees undertake a challenging barefoot trek to seek the blessings of the Goddess.
Interestingly, there are two Deviramma temples in the region:
- Deviramma Temple at the foothills – Open throughout the year
- Giri Deviramma Temple on the hilltop – Opens only once annually during Naraka Chaturdashi
Deviramma Jatre Festival – A Once-a-Year Spiritual Experience
The famous Deviramma Jatre is celebrated over four days with grand religious rituals, processions, and traditional ceremonies. The highlight of the festival is the annual opening of the hilltop shrine.
Thousands of devotees begin the sacred trek in the early hours of the morning to participate in the darshan and festivities.
Trek to Deviramma Hill
One of the most important attractions of the festival is the 8-kilometre hill trek to the temple.
Trek Timings
- From 2:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Naraka Chaturdashi
Devotees traditionally:
- Trek barefoot
- Observe fasting
- Chant devotional hymns during the climb
The journey through the misty Western Ghats creates a spiritually uplifting experience for pilgrims and trekking enthusiasts alike.
Major Rituals and Celebrations
Deviramma Deepothsava
The sacred Deepothsava is conducted between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, where traditional oil lamps are lit using firewood.
Local belief says the divine light from the hill shrine can be seen from the famous Chamundi Hills.
Pallakki Utsava
The beautifully decorated Pallakki Utsava features the ceremonial procession of the Goddess carried in a traditional palanquin amidst devotional music and chants.
Rathotsava (Car Festival)
The grand Rathotsava or temple chariot festival is one of the most awaited events during the Jatre. Devotees gather in huge numbers to witness the decorated temple chariot procession.
Homa and Havan
Special Homa and Havan rituals are performed seeking divine blessings, prosperity, and protection for devotees.
Kenda Aradhane
Kenda Aradhane, a traditional fire ritual, forms an important spiritual aspect of the festival and symbolizes devotion, purification, and faith.
The Mallenahalli Sri Deviramma Temple Jatre Festival is a rare and sacred celebration that beautifully blends devotion, tradition, and adventure. The once-a-year opening of the hilltop shrine, the barefoot trek, grand rituals, and the divine atmosphere make it one of Karnataka’s most extraordinary spiritual festivals.
For devotees and travelers alike, the Deviramma Jatre offers a memorable experience filled with faith, culture, and scenic beauty in the heart of Chikkamagaluru’s hills.