Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple Dharmasthala

About Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple Dharmasthala

Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple is a one-of-a-kind sacred pilgrim center located in Dharmasthala in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. The temple, over 800 years old, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as Manjunathay. The temple is well known for its spiritual relevance, rich heritage, and contribution to society.

The temple is unique from other shrines because of its administration and interreligious toleration. This is a Shaiva temple, yet it is managed by the Heggade family, who are devout Jains. Of great interest, the temple rituals are done by Vaishnava Brahmins, which brings together 3 principal Indian faiths-Shaivism, Jainism, and Vaishnavism. This syncretism is indicative of the temple's stance on religious harmony. A Jain chieftain called Birmanna Pergade is said to have built the temple after being told by demigod spirit guides known as Dharma Daivas to build a righteous and just center. The temple has since served both religious and social needs. Under Dr. Veerendra Heggade as Dharmadhikari the temple has significantly expanded it’s charitable works, like Annadana (free food), mass weddings, educational and medical services.At Dharmasthala, its temple serves not only as a place of worship but also as a social court, where litigants bring their cases for a rational arbitration guided by the temple’s ethics. Standing along the National Highway 48, the temple is in close proximity of 75 km from Mangalore, which comprises the region’s principal railway station and airport.