Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy temple is in Belthangadi taluk of Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka. It is on the banks of Nethravathi river. This is a temple of Lord Shiva and has a golden Linga in it. This temple is different from all others, as it is run by a Jain administritation and poojas are performed by Hindu priests. On an average, around 10,000 people visit the temple every day. Free food is served for all pilgrims. Good accommodation facility is also provided by the temple authority.
Padmabhushan Dr.D Veerendra Heggade, 21st successor of Dharmadhikari peetha, is the head of Dharmasthala.
Dharmasthala is known for its charity works.
Anna Dana (Free Food)
Everyone visiting this pilgrim place is served with food, irrespective of their caste, creed, religion and status. Around 10,000 pilgrims visit the place everyday. Free food is served to the pilgrims. The temple has modern machinery to prepare food and serves quality food throughout the day. The dining hall is known as “Annapoorna”.
Vidya Dana
Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheswara Education society runs educational institutions from primary school to professional courses in different parts of Karnataka. They have institutions in Dharmasthala, Ujire, Mangalore, Udupi, Dharwad, Hassan, Mysore and other places of Karnataka state
Aushada Dana
Dharmasthala Manjunatheswara Medical Trust takes care of medical services providing services to eradicate and prevent many diseases in local villages. Mobile hospital is run to deal with emergencies.
Abhaya dana
Free mass weddings were started in 1972 and has now gained a great popularity. Saamoohika Vivaha Mahotsava is conducted every year, where hundreds of couple tie their knots. For a limited number of couple’s, expenses of marriage i.e., dress, mangalsutra is borne by the Shri Kshetra.
You can also see the statue of Lord Bahubali (Gommateshwara). It was carved out of a single rock and was installed in 1973.
Donations(Kanike) can also be sent to Shri Manjunatha Swamy temple through cheque, Demand draft(DD) or Money Order(MO) in favour of Sri D. Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari, Dharmasthala - 574 216 on behalf of The Institution At Dharmasthala.
Dharmasthala is located approximately 300Kms from the state capital Bangalore, and about 65 kms from Mangalore. It is well connected by road. Nearest railway station and airport is Mangalore.
You can stay at the following guest houses provided by temple authority.
· Gangothri Guest House (168 Rooms)
· Saketha Guest House (478 Rooms)
· Gayathri Guest House (104 Rooms)
· Srisannidhi Guest House (21 Rooms)
· Netravati Guest House (50 Rooms)
· Sharavathi Guest House (293 Rooms)
· Vaishali Guest House (224 Rooms)
For more details, you can contact temple office:
Shri Kshetra Dharmastala – 574216
Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka State
Phone : 08256 – 277121, 277141
Fax : 08256 – 277116
E-mail: info@shridharmasthala.org
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