Dharmasthala is a temple town and a famous pilgrimage center in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka located at the banks of the Netravati river. The temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva, in the form of Lord Manjunatha or Manjunatheshwara. The other deities of the temple are Ammanavaru (shakti form), Ganesha, Annappa, and Dharma daivas (guardian spirits of Dharma) - Kalarahu, Kalarkai, Kumaraswamy, and Kanyakumari. The temple has a history of 800 years. It is said that the shrines of dharma daivas are built before Lord Manjunatha temple. The interesting fact is that this temple is a Shaiva temple, rituals are conducted by Vaishnava priests and administered by Jain descendants. Lord Manjunatha is worshipped in the form of Shivalinga.

Dharmasthala is located at a distance of about 70 km from Mangalore, about 100 km from Udupi and 300 km from Bangalore. It is well connected by road. There are many public and private buses plying from various parts of Karnataka. On average, about 10,000 people visit the temple daily. On Mondays and on special days like Shivaratri etc, there will be a huge crowd.

History of Dharmasthala

Around 800 years back, this place was called Kuduma. There was a Jain Chieftain named Birmanna Pergade and his wife Ammu Ballalthi lived here. They were simple and pious and known for generosity and hospitality. According to a legend, the guardian angels of dharma (or dharma daivas) appeared in the dream of Birmanna Pergade and instructed him to build shrines to the four dharma daivas - Kalarahu, Kalarkai, Kumaraswamy, and Kanyakumari. And also instructed him to dedicate his life to propagate Dharma. As ordained, Pergade built the shrines and invited priests to perform the rituals. The priests requested Pergade to also install a Shivalinga along with daivas. The task is assigned to a person with great power, named Annappa, to bring the Shivalinga from Kadri (a place near Mangalore). Subsequently, Sri Manjunatheshwara temple was built around this idol.

Around the 16th century, the then administrator Devaraja Heggade invited Vadiraja Swami of Udupi. The Swamiji re-consecrated the Shivalinga himself and named the place as Dharmasthala, which means the abode of religion and charity.

Temple Architecture

The temple has been built as per Kerala style architecture. The temple base has a square plan and a pyramidal roof. The steep and needle-like roof is made of wood and is covered with gold-plated copper plates in order to protect from monsoon rains. Inside gopuram is also gold-covered.

Temple Timings

. Temple gates will be opened at 4 AM. One can perform meditation and other spiritual sadhanas. Darshan timings: 6:30 AM to 11 AM; 12:15 PM to 2:30 PM and 5 PM to 8:30 PM

. Entry Fee: Free

It is believed that taking bath in the Netravati river before entering Lord Manjunatha temple is very auspicious. All the arrangements are made for pilgrims for taking a dip in the river.

Food And Accommodation

The pilgrims are served with free meals (anna dana) every day, from 11 AM to 10 PM. The dining hall is called ‘Annapoorna’, which is equipped with modern machinery and serves food to thousands of pilgrims every day. There are also hotels available nearby the temple.

Accommodation for the pilgrims is provided by the temple trust. There are many types of accommodation available. Online booking facility for pilgrims can be availed from their official website ( Shridharmasthala.org ). Also, private hotels and lodging available.

Major Festivals and Events

A special puja is held at the temple premise during major festivals. However, some festivals are celebrated in a grand style are Shivaratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navaratri, and Deepavali.

Other major events held are: Laksha Deepotsava

How to Reach Dharmasthala Temple

By Road - There are many public and private buses plying from various parts of Karnataka. There are direct buses from Bangalore, Mangalore, Udupi.

By Train - The nearest railway station is in Mangalore, which is about 70 km from Dharmasthala. This railway station is well connected with all the major cities.

By Air - Mangalore airport is the nearest airport, which is about 65 km from Dharmasthala temple. One can hire taxis/cabs or buses from Mangalore.