Here’s an insightful guide to Sri Dhareshwar Temple, also called the Doranatha Temple, located near Kumta in Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka:
🕉️ Historical Significance & Legend
- The temple, believed to be around 800 years old, was begun by Rudroji Pandit and completed by Sonappa between 1500–1559 CE. It is constructed from black stone and features ornate sculptures and four ancient inscribed tablets.
- According to legend, after Ravana’s failed attempt to take the Atma Linga from Gokarna, parts of the adornments like the thread (dhaara) fell here and became a self-manifested lingam—hence Dhareshwar (“dhaara” meaning thread).
- This shrine is one of the five Atma Linga temples (Pancha Kshetras), along with Gokarna, Murudeshwar, Gunavanteshwar, and Shejjeshwar Temple.
🛕 Temple & Site Features
- Situated on a gentle hill slope about 8 km southeast of Kumta, the temple is surrounded by five sacred pools—Rudra Kund, Chakra, Shankh, Vasudha, and Nagatirth—all considered spiritually cleansing.
- Reflecting Chalukyan architectural style, the temple houses hero stones (veeragallu), inscriptions from 1083 CE, and carvings of deities like Narasimha and Venugopala.
- An annual fair (rathotsava) is held around mid-January, drawing devotees from surrounding areas.
⏰ Timings & Access
- Open from 6:00 AM–10:00 AM and 4:00 PM–9:00 PM daily.
- The temple attracts large crowds during Maha Shivaratri, when special poojas and processions take place.
📍 How to Reach
- Location: Dhareshwar, Honavar Taluk, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka – 581327.
- It is located approximately 8 km from Kumta and 13 km from Honnavar along NH‑66 (formerly NH‑17).
- Nearest transport:
- Rail: Kumta Railway Station.
- Road: Regular buses and cabs connect Kumta, Honnavar, and coastal towns via NH‑66 .
🙏 Importance & Visitor Experience
- The temple is visited by devotees for spiritual benefits such as salvation (moksha), prosperity, relief from illness, and educational success.
- The serene setting—with temple pools and adjacent Dhareshwar Beach, about 1 km from the shrine—makes it ideal for reflection and relaxation.
✅ Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Deity | Shiva Lingam (thread-based Atma Linga) |
| Era | ~800 years old; completed mid-1500s |
| Architecture | Chalukyan stone temple with inscriptions |
| Sacred Features | 5 ritual pools, hero stones, inscriptions |
| Darshan Hours | 6 AM–10 AM, 4 PM–9 PM daily |
| Special Festival | Maha Shivaratri rituals & mid-January fair |
| Location | 8 km SE of Kumta, 13 km from Honnavar |
| Best Time to Visit | Morning hours during off-peak season |