Dharmastala kshetra is located amongst the scenic beauty of the Western Karnataka on the banks of the Nethravathi River. The temple of Lord Manjunatha at Dharmastala is the star attraction in the Karnataka.

It has 150 ft tall entrance to the township flanked by numerous choultries on either side. Dharmastala literally means a place of Dharma, a path to religion, ritual, duty, righteousness, and alms. It is the embodiment of justice, truthfulness, faith, solace, fulfillment and peace.

Let us all live together, Eat together, and grow together Without any feelings of Animosity.

This is the essence of all our religious traditions. And this philosophy in action is the glory of Dharmasthala.

History : Dharmastala was formerly called Kuduma or Koduma.  . Long ago about 800 years before Jain Chieftain Birmanna Pergade and his wife Ammu Ballathi lived a pious life in a village called Nelliadi Beedu. They belong to the Pergade family, who were very simple, generous and affectionate people. According to the legend, the angels of God visited them in their dream and informed them to continue their worship and their practice of hospitality, the Dharma Daivas - Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumaraswamy and Kanyakumari requested him to build separate shires for each of them. 

The Chieftain built the shrines and priests requested him to install a Shivalinga beside the native Daivas. Annappa Swamy procured the linga of Lord Manjunatheshwara (Lord who is as beautiful as snow- Lord Shiva) from Kadri, near Mangalore. Nrusimha Saligrama is placed by his side.

Subsequently, the Manjunatha temple was built around the Linga. On the invite from Devaraja Heggade, Sri Vadiraja visited the temple. It took the name of “Dharmastala “ during the visit of Sri Vadiraja, a Vaishnava Saint of Sode Mutt from Udupi and he himself recons crate the Shivalinga himself.  The Pergade and Heggade families’ dedication and contribution to the temple has brought the Dharmastala to the growing fame of Dharmasthala's Sri Manjunathaswamy Temple. Many attribute the Manjunatha temple to the revered Jain Basadi The centuries old Chandranatha Swamy Temple at Dharmasthala has been maintained in the pristine condition and is amongst the most revered Digambara shrines in South India. It has been renovated in 2001, under the guidance of Veerendra Heggade.

Annadhanam
Preparation for Annadana
Annapoorna dining hall at Dharmasthala

Annadana (offering food)  is considered as the greatest vitue among Danas(offering Alms). Here at Dharmasthala the temple committee organizes free food to all its devotees defying all barriers of caste and creed. Annadana at the famous Annapurna dining hall is a unique feature of Dharmasthala, where a simple meal of rice, dal, vegetables and buttermilk is served in the scrupulously clean, airy hall and a friendly environment.

The temple also provides protection to the needy – Abhayadana; free medicine – Aushadhadana; promotion of educational facilities – Vidyadana.

Festivals

Ganesha festival, Navaratri and Deepavali festivals are celebrated with grandeur at Dharmasthala. The annual festival or carnival called Pattanajae Jatre is held in April every year before the onset of monsoons.  People flock from far and near during these times.

Laksha Deepothsava
Festival of lights and grand illumination celebrated for five days in the month of Kartika (November - December) during this festival, there is cultural activities, Sarva-Dharma & Sahithya Sammelana. There are special seminars are as follows:

• Fine arts on the third day.
• Religions of the world, on the fourth day.
• Literature on the fifth day
• Special Poojas to Chandranatha Swamy

Shri Bahubali in Dharmasthala
Dharmasthala is famous for Sri Manjunatheshwara Temple and Bahubali monolithic statue of 39 feet height and weighing more than 210 tons. This statue, located on Ratnagiri Betta, was brought to this location from Karkala in 1982. Confluence of various religions is the evidence of the tolerance and spirit of oneness that is the quintessence of Dharmasthala.

Legend of Bahubali
Bharatha and Bahubali were the sons of the first Jain Theerthankara, King of Rishabha. After is reign he gave Bharatha, his elder son, Ayodhya to rule. To Bhaubali he gave Podanapura. Bharata then acquired the celestial spinning Chakra Ratna, that empowered him to conquer the world.

With his chakra, Bharata conquered many kingdoms and achieved total sovereignty over them then he set to conquer his brother Bahubali's Podanapura. On requesting Bahubali to accept his supremacy, Bahubali refused, thus infuriating Bharatha.

To avoid a bloody war, the two brothers fought each other hand to hand. Bahubali vanquished his arrogant and acquainting brother and would have killed him, when realization dawned on him. This realization brought disillusionment with the world of lust and greed. Bahubali renounced the world and handed over his kingdom to Bharatha.

He assumed the role of Digambara to begin penance naked and standing until he gained enlightenment. This symbolizes total detachment from the material world owing only to service the mankind.

Annappa Betta
This hill is also called as Badinede Betta. His Shrine and dwelling place of four Dharma Daivas - Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumaraswamy and Kanyakumari situated on this hill.

Manjusha Museum
This Museum near the Temple has a antique collection of swords, armory even old cameras etc. Collection of Temple chariots of various temples of Karnataka are exhibited outside the museum in a shed. There is one more vintage car collection from Sri Veerendra Heggade which is worth a visit for those with similar passion.

Veerendra Heggade
D Veerendra Heggade is the 21st Dharmadhikari of Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala. Born to Rathnamma and Ratnavarma Heggade in November 25, 1948. Being the eldest son, he had t take up the mantle of Heggadeship at the age of 20 on October 24, 1968. He promoted the carving and installation of the Bahubali statue at Dharmastala.

Under his guidance and able initiatives, “grameenaaabhivruddhi yojane” means “Village Welfare Programs have helped numerous farmers with agricultural credit, technical training, health and hygiene programs, and women empowerment.

Mr. Veerendra Heggade was awarded honorary doctorates from Mangalore University, Gulbarga University and Karnataka University. He was also conferred the “Padma Bhushan” award instituted by the Government of India from President K R Narayanan in 2000 for social service.  

How to reach :
By Road : Dharmasthala is located approximately 300 kms from Bangalore, and is connected by National Highway. It is about 65 Kms from the port town of Mangalore
Nearest Railway Station : Mangalore.
Nearest Airport : Mangalore & Bangalore
Best Season to visit : October to February, June to September

Endowed with sultry climate with temperatures hovering around 35 Degree Celcius most times of the year.

Address to the Temple:
Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatha temple
Dharmasthala - 574 216
Belthangady Taluk
South Kanara District
Karnataka State - INDIA
Phone : 08256-317121, 08256-317123, 08256-317124, 08256-317141

Accommodation is available only in the temple guest houses and dharmashalas. Rooms are allocated through a computer for a stay of 24 hrs only. Extension is possible on request. There is no system of advance booking.