Temple

Located in the temple town of Dharmasthala in Dakshina Kannada,Karnataka, Sri Manjunatha Temple is a famous and ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Here, in this temple, Lord Shiva is referred to as Manjunatha.The temple is run by a Jain administration and poojas are conducted by Hindu priests of Madhva order. Other than Lord Shiva, the temple houses the shrines of Ammavaru, the tirthankara Chandraprabha and the protective gods of Jainism, Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumarasvami and Kanyakumari. The temple dates back to 1200 CE.

Legend

According to the legends, Dharmasthala was known as Kuduma 800 years ago. The Jain chieftain Birmanna Pergade and his wife Ammu Ballalthi lived there in a house called Nelliadi Beedu. One day the guardian angels of Dharma disguised as humans and arrived at Pergade's home. The guardian angels of Dharma were in search of a place where Dharma was being practised and could be continued and propagated. Pergade and his wife attended the guests with great respect. Pleased with their generosity, the guardian angels appeared in Pergade's dream that night and explained the purpose of their visit. They instructed Pergade to vacate the house for the worship of Dharma Daivas and dedicate his life for the propagation of Dharma. Pergade built another house and began worshipping the Daivas at Nelliadi Beedu. After some years, the Dharma Daivas again appeared in Pergade's dream and aasked him to built separate shrines  to consecrate the four Daivas - Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumaraswamy and Kanyakumari. The Dharma Daivas instructed Pergade to choose two persons of noble birth to act as the Daivas' oracles and four worthy persons to assist Pergade in his duties as the executive head of the shrines. Daivas promised Pergade protection for his family, abundance of charity and renowned for the 'Kshetra'. As per the instruction, Pergade built the shrines and invited Brahmin priests to perform the rituals. The priests who came to perform the rituals requested Pergade to install a Shivalinga beside the native Daivas. As per the request of Pergade, the Daivas sent their vassal Annappa Swamy to procure the lingam of Shiva from Kadri Manjunath Temple, near Mangalore. The Manjunatha temple was built around the linga.

Architecture

The temple is built according to Kerala style of architecture. The Mukha Mandap or the primary pavilion of the temple is supported by wooden pillars. The three storied entrance of the temple features sloping roofs further accented by the Kalases.

Darsan Info

The temple opens at 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to dress appropriately.

Famous Festival

Ganesha Chaturthi
Navarathri
Deepavali
Laksha Deepotsava
Shivarathri
Annual Jathre
Maha Nadavali

Culture

Karnataka, the IT hub of Indian Subcontinent, like every other destination, has its own
distinctive characteristics. Its contribution in the fields of art, music, religion and philosophy are exemplary. The culture of Karnataka is so vibrant that it adds new flavor to its very existence. Dharmasthala is a temple town on the banks of the Nethravathi River in the Belthangadi taluk of the Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka. The village is known for its Dharmasthala Temple.Dharmasthala represents religious tolerance wherein caste, creed and faith of pilgrims are no bars.

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Temple Rituals

Temple opens for Darshan - 6:15 AM
Shatharudrabhisheka & Pooja - 8:30 AM
Shiva Sahasranamavali - 10:45 AM
Maha Naivedya Samarpana - 11:30 AM
Mahapooja - 12:00 PM
Nithyabali - 12:10 PM
Temple Closes for Darshan - 2:30 PM
Temple opens for Darshan - 5:00 PM
Temple Closes for Darshan - 8:30 PM

Special Rituals

During Shivarathri, the temple holds the  Car festival followed by Night long Bhajans and special poojas. The temple gets crowded during the annual festival of Lakshadeepa.

Additional Info