ಧರ್ಮಸ್ಥಳ- Dharmastala Manjunateshwara Temple

ಧರ್ಮಸ್ಥಳ- Dharmastala Manjunateshwara Temple

Dharmastala kshetra is located amongst the scenic beauty of the Western Karnataka on the banks of the Nethravathi River.,Beltangady Taluk near Mangalore,under the trusteeship of a Jain familiy, with worship services being performed by Madhva priests. Dharmastala is at a distance of about 75 km from Mangalore.Located in a picturesque settings, it is one of the well visited pilgrimage centers in Karnataka.It has 150 ft tall entrance to the township flanked by numerous choultries on either side. Dharmastala literallymeans a place of Dharma, a path to religion, ritual, duty, righteousness, and alms. It is the embodiment of justice, truthfulness, faith, solace, fulfillment and peace.

Heggade built a temple of Manjunatha Swamy and installed the Kadri’sShiva Linga there. Henceforth, several ceremonies were held together for Manjunatha Swamy, Chandranatha Swamy and the angels.

Dharma Daivas
Festivals:Ganesha festival, Navaratri and Deepavali festivals are celebrated with grandeur at Dharmasthala. The annual festival or carnival called Pattanajae Jatre is held in April every year before the onset of monsoons. People flock from far and near during these times.

Dharmasthala Bahubali Temple

Bahubali Temple enshrines the monolithic statue of Bhagvan Bahubali. The statue epitomizes renunciation, self control and subjugation of ego. The monolithic statue, 39 ft tall, is carved from a single stone with a pedestal 13 ft high.

Laksha Deepothsava

Festival of lights and grand illumination celebrated for five days in the month of Kartika (November – December)
Places to visit in Dharmastala:
Main Temple
* Shri Manjunatheshwara

* Shri Ammanavaru

*Four Dharma Daivas: Kalarahu, Kalarkaayi, Kanyakumari and Kumaraswamy

* Lord Ganapathi* Lord Annappa
Other places to visit at Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala
* Vintage car museum

* Manjusha vastu sangrahalaya (museum)

* Pushpa vatika

* Vasantha Mahal – Cultural Hall

Manjusha MuseumThis Museum near the Temple has a antique collection of swords, armory even old cameras etc. Collection of Temple chariots of various temples of Karnataka are exhibited outside the museum in a shed.
Car Museum: Little away from the main temple, is a car museum with various vintage cars, all in running condition. Among are a Daimler Double Six(1949) owned by King of Mysore Sri Jayachamarejendra Wodeyer. Timmings: 9 am – 1 pm and 2.30 pm – 6 pm.
How to reach:
Dharmasthala is located approximately 300 kms from Bangalore, and is connected by National Highway. It is about 65 Kms from the port town of Mangalore