Rama kshetra is a beautiful and colorful temple dedicated to Lord Ram, situated near Dharmasthala temple in a place called Kanyadi in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka state. This three-storied huge temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Ram and Sita. However, idols of almost all the Gods and Goddesses are present in the temple.
The ground floor of the temple is used for bhajans and other religious activities. Meditation, Vedanta seminars, and Yoga courses are conducted on this floor. On the first floor, idols of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Annapoorneshwari, founder Nityananda Swami, Shirdi Sai Baba can be seen.
And on the 2nd floor, idols of various Gods and Goddesses can be seen. On the main sanctum sanctorum, huge idols of Rama and Sita are placed and Hanuman opposite to them. The specialty of this temple is that Lord Rama is depicted in the form of Pattabhi Rama, where Lord Rama and Sita are in sitting position in the throne, indicating coronation (pattabhisheka). Lakshmana and Shatrughna are standing beside and fanning them while Bharat and Hanuman are at the feet of Lord Rama. Lord Krishna, Lord Dattatreya, Navadurga, and Navagraha idols can also be seen in this temple. All the idols are made of white marble. Adjacent to the temple, there is a snake shrine (Naga Bana) also.
There are three chariots built in the year 2007. One is ‘Brahma Ratha’ dedicated to Lord Rama, which is 72 feet in height. ‘Hanumanta Ratha’ for Lord Anjaneya, of 36 feet tall and third is a silver chariot with 18 feet of height.
Architecture and Interesting facts
The temple is constructed with South Indian style of architecture. All the idols are made of white marbles, carved beautifully in Rajasthan. The gopuram and the outer wall of the structure are carved with different idols. There is a display of arts and culture in the form of idols can be seen all over the walls.
There is an interesting connection between the number 9 with the temple. The height of the gopuram is 126 feet. (1+2+6) and the height gopuram from the ground is 117 ft (1+1+7). There are about 54 steps (5+4) to reach the first floor and another 54 steps (5+4) for the second floor, with a total of 108 steps (1+8). There are mainly 36 idols (3+6). The three chariots, ‘Brahmaratha’ of 72 feet (7+2), ‘Hanumanta ratha’ of 36 ft (3+6), and silver chariot with 18 ft (1+8).
Temple Timings
Temple is open to devotees for the full day.
How to reach the Temple
Sri Rama Kshetra is situated about 67 km from the major town Mangalore. It is located very near to the famous Dharmasthala temple, which is about 5 km from the temple. There are frequent buses plying from Dharmasthala or Mangalore. One can hire a taxi/cabs also. There is ample vehicle parking space available.