Lord Shiva in the form of Manjunatha

The renowned Manjunatha Temples, situated on the banks of the river Nethravathi attracts followers of all caste and creed; Jains, Hindus, Christians and Muslims too visit this temple to offer their prayers and ask for their wishes to be granted.

The main lord of the Manjunatha Temple, Dharmasthala is the Shri Manjunathaswamy. Regarded as another form of Lord Shiva, Shri Manjunathaswamy Temple has a close kinship with the Kadri Manjunatha Temple of of Mangalore.

It seems that about 5 centuries ago a Jain family after being blessed by the angels of Dharmasthala, constructed temples and installed the images of Dharma Daivas. Tradition says that Dharma Daivas sent a vassal Annappa for the purpose of bringing the Linga (idol) from Kadri. The Annappa Shrine faces the Linga of Manjunatha in Dharmasthala.

The four Dharma Daivas - Kalarahu, Kalarkai, Kumaraswamy and Kannyakumari are represented in shrine forms near the main temple.

The Temple's Annual festival of 'Deepotsava' is held in November or December. A unique feature of this temple is the fact that it has a Jain administration while all the rituals are performed by Hindu priests. The Shri Manjunathaswamy Temple attracts around 10,000 pilgrims every day and the temple kitchen offers free food to all and there are guest houses for the people to stay.

Dharmastala Pilgrimage Attractions

Prime Attractions

Manjunatha Temple
The Manjunatha Temple here attracts thousands of people all through the year. Every person who comes here irrespective of caste or creed is welcomed and given a free meal.

During 'Laksha Deepotsava', one lakh lamps are lit and literary and religious discourses are held. Bahubali

In the recent past, the 39th monolith of Bahubali was installed at Dharmasthala by the Heggade.

Karanje

37 kms from Mangalore on the road to Dharmasthala is the holy place of Karanje, well known for its medieval Shiva temple. Situated on a hill 1,500 ft high, it commands a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

Excursions

Venur
Venur 30kms from Dharmasthala, is famous for the Gomateshwara statue built in 1605 AD by an Ajila Prince.

Moodabidri

Moodabidri, 23 kms from Venur described as Jaina Kashi, is known for the 18 bastis, the most famous of them being 'Savira Kambada Basti' (Basti with thousand pillars).

Built in 1430 AD, this basti has beautiful monolith columns and priceless collection of jewel-studded metal images of Jain Tirthankaras.

Jamalabad Fort

About 6 kms north of Belthangadi, it was formerly called 'Narasimha Hangadi'. The present fort was built on the ruins of an old fort by Tipu Sultan in 1794 AD and he named it after his mother, Jamalbee.