Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple

Lord Shiva (as Manjunatha)

Dharmasthala, Belthangady taluk, Dakshina Kannada district

Folktale & Sacred Story

The temple's founding legend recounts that four Dharma Daivas (guardian deities of righteousness), traveling in disguise, sought hospitality at the home of Birmanna Pergade and his wife; moved by their welcome, the divine visitors requested that the couple vacate their house for worship of the Daivas rather than continue living there. Local priests subsequently advised installing a Shivalinga alongside the native deities, and the temple that grew from this act of devotion came to be known as Dharmasthala, the 'abode of righteousness.'

Most Revered Practice

The temple's daily mass free meal (Annadana/Bhojanashala), feeding thousands of pilgrims regardless of caste, creed or religion, is considered its most revered ongoing practice, alongside the annual Lakshadeepotsava and car festival.

Prasadam & Offerings

Prasadam details not independently verified — confirm locally; the temple's daily Annadana community meal is separate from any packaged prasadam offering.

Temple Speciality

Dharmasthala is unusual for being a Shiva temple administered by a Jain family with Vaishnava priests, alongside the parallel worship of local Daiva spirit-deities, embodying a distinctive interfaith model of temple governance found almost nowhere else in India.

Why Pilgrims Visit

Pilgrims and visitors come both for spiritual darshan and to witness or take part in the temple's renowned tradition of selfless service and social welfare, including its free community kitchen.

History & Legend

Temple tradition dates Dharmasthala's founding to around 800 years ago, associated with a Jain chieftain named Birmanna Pergade and his wife Ammu Ballalthi. According to this tradition, guardian spirits of Dharma appeared at the couple's home in human form and, pleased by their hospitality, asked them to dedicate part of their house to the worship of local deities (Daivas); a Shivalinga was subsequently installed and the Manjunatha temple grew up around it. For roughly 21 generations, the site has been administered by the Jain Heggade family, currently led by Dharmadhikari Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, blending Jain trusteeship, Vaishnava priesthood, and Shaiva worship alongside local Daiva traditions.

Divine Significance

Dharmasthala is revered as a universal Kshetra of Dharma (righteousness), historically known for its Dharmadhikari-mediated tradition of resolving community disputes, and today for running one of India's largest free daily community meal programs, open to devotees of all faiths.

Darshan Timings

Generally open around 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM, 12:15 PM to 2:30 PM, and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM daily (please confirm exact timings with the temple before visiting, as they vary by season and festival).

How To Reach

The nearest airport is Mangaluru International Airport (about 65-75 km), and the nearest major railway station is Mangaluru Central, roughly 75 km away.

Where To Stay

The temple trust runs numerous guesthouses and choultries (many at low or no cost) in Dharmasthala, in addition to private hotels in the town.

Local Food Nearby

Free vegetarian meals are served daily to all visitors at the temple's Bhojanashala, and the town also has vegetarian eateries serving local Tulunadu cuisine.

Contact & Official Info

Visitors can contact the Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala temple administration for darshan, seva and accommodation information.

Location Map

View on Google Maps → (12.9577, 75.3765)