Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple, Dharmasthala
One of Karnataka's largest pilgrimage centres, an approximately 800-year-old Shiva temple uniquely administered by a Jain Bunt family and served by Madhwa Vaishnava priests, renowned for a free-meal (annadana) tradition open to all.
Photos of Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple, Dharmasthala
History & Significance
History & Origin
Dharmasthala's temple tradition traces to the Jain chieftain Birmanna Pergade and his wife Ammu Ballalthi, who according to legend were guided by four dharma-daivas to dedicate their home, Nelliadi Beedu, to religious use; the shrine to Manjunatha (Shiva) was later reconsecrated in the 16th century by the Madhwa saint Vadiraja Tirtha.
Religious & Cultural Significance
The temple is a striking example of religious syncretism: a Shaiva shrine served by Vaishnava Madhwa Brahmin priests and administered by a hereditary Jain family, the Heggades - currently Dr Veerendra Heggade, the 21st Dharmadhikari since 1968 - alongside shrines to the Jain tirthankara Chandraprabha and to guardian deities (daivas).
Architecture
The temple complex includes the main Manjunatha shrine, a shrine to Chandraprabha, and the Ammanavaru shrine, set within a larger campus that also holds the annual car-festival chariot and Dharmasthala's associated charitable institutions.
Traditions
The temple is known nationally for its Annapoorna Bhojanashala, which serves free vegetarian meals to all pilgrims regardless of caste or religion, and for major festivals including Maha Shivaratri and Lakshadeepotsava.
Festivals & Events
- Maha Shivaratri
- Lakshadeepotsava
- Mahamastakabhisheka (periodic)
Facilities
- Annadana (free meals for all pilgrims regardless of caste or religion)
- Pilgrim accommodation / lodging
Location
- Address
- Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala, Belthangady Taluk, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka 574216
- Area
- Dharmasthala
- City
- Dharmasthala
- Taluk
- Belthangady
- District
- Dakshina Kannada
- State
- Karnataka
- PIN Code
- 574216