Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple is one of the most respected and frequently visited temples in Karnataka, renowned for its spiritual significance, community service, and peaceful atmosphere. Pilgrims come here not only to seek blessings from Lord Shiva but also to witness a unique blend of Hindu devotion and Jain administration.
🕉️ Spiritual & Cultural Highlights
Feature
Description
Presiding Deity
Lord Manjunatha (Shiva), with idols of Ganapathi, Ammanavaru, and Chandranath (Jain Tirthankara)
Managed By
Jain Heggade family, headed by the Dharmadhikari (currently Veerendra Heggade)
Rituals
Daily pujas, special ceremonies during Shivaratri, and Vedic rituals performed by Hindu priests
Annadanam
Free meals served daily to 10,000+ devotees – a key part of the temple’s tradition
Community Service
Dharmasthala is known for its charitable works – education, healthcare, rural development, mass marriages, and social reforms
📍 Location & Accessibility
Mode
Details
By Road
Well-connected by KSRTC/private buses from Mangalore, Udupi, Bangalore, Mysore
By Rail
Nearest station: Ujire (~5 km), Mangalore (~75 km) for major trains
By Air
Mangalore International Airport (~75 km away)
🧭 Things to Do in Dharmasthala
1. Darshan & Puja
Morning and evening aartis are peaceful and deeply spiritual.
Special ceremonies on Maha Shivaratri, Karthika Masa, and Laksha Deepotsava.
2. Visit to the Museum (Manjusha Museum)
Artifacts, ancient coins, manuscripts, and vintage cars are displayed.
Offers insight into Karnataka’s cultural and historical heritage.
3. Annadanam
A simple yet satisfying meal is served daily in a massive, clean dining hall.
Free for all visitors — a hallmark of the temple’s dharmic principles.
4. Explore Rathabeedi (Car Street)
Home to the grand chariots used in the annual Rathotsava (Car Festival).
The wooden chariots are ornately carved and used during processions.
🕌 Nearby Attractions
Place
Highlights
Bahubali Statue (Ratnagiri)
39-foot monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali, atop a hill near the temple
Netravati River
Many pilgrims take a dip before entering the temple
Kukke Subramanya Temple
Popular pilgrimage site (~55 km) dedicated to Lord Subramanya
Jamia Masjid and Jain Basadis
Reflect the town’s religious diversity and coexistence
Sowthadka Shree Mahaganapathi Temple
An open-air temple with no traditional walls or roof (~20 km)
📅 Best Time to Visit
Season
Experience
October to March
Ideal time – cool and pleasant for darshan and sightseeing
April to June
Summer – manageable, but warm during the day
July to September
Monsoon – green and lush, but some temple areas may be slippery
✅ Visitor Tips
Tip
Detail
Dress Code
Traditional attire preferred (men often remove shirts before entering sanctum)
Footwear
Must be removed before entering the temple
Mobile Phones
Photography and phones not allowed inside the temple
Stay
Guesthouses and dharmashalas available at nominal prices
Language
Kannada is widely spoken, but staff and priests often understand Hindi and English
🧳 Suggested Day Itinerary
Time
Activity
6:00 AM
Reach Dharmasthala, take holy dip in Netravati River
7:00 AM
Darshan at Sri Manjunatha Temple
8:00 AM
Participate in Annadanam (breakfast or early lunch)
10:00 AM
Visit Bahubali statue and Manjusha Museum
12:00 PM
Explore Rathabeedi and nearby shrines
2:00 PM
Optional visit to nearby temples or relax in dharmashala
5:00 PM
Attend evening puja/aarti
6:30 PM
Dinner and depart or stay overnight
❤️ Who Should Visit?
Spiritual Seekers – Peaceful rituals and divine presence
History Enthusiasts – Ancient traditions and Jain-Hindu harmony
Families – Safe, clean, and educational environment
Philanthropic Travelers – Experience living dharma through charity and service
