Dharmasthala Temple is an 800-year-old Hindu religious institution in the temple township of Dharmasthala in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India. The Temple was reconsecrated in the 16th century by Hindu Dvaita saint Vadiraja Tirtha at the request of the then-administrator of the Temple, Devaraja Heggade. The Temple Timings are 05:30 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 09:00 pm.
An epitome of spirituality and religious significance, Sri Manjunatha Temple is one of the famous holy sites in South India. This Shiva temple is located in the sacred town of Dharmasthala in Karnataka. The Temple was considered unique since the Temple’s priests were Madhwa Brahmins, Vaishnava, and a Jain Bunt family, and the administration was called the Pergades.
Dharmasthala Temple History:
Contents
- 1 Dharmasthala Temple History:
- 1.0.1 Dharmasthala Temple Timings:
- 1.0.2 Best time to visit Dharmasthala Temple:
- 1.0.3 Deities at Dharmasthala Temple:
- 1.0.4 Dharmasthala Temple Speciality:
- 1.0.5 Dharmasthala Temple Special Sevas & Costs:
- 1.0.6 Annaprasadam at Dharmasthala Temple:
- 1.0.7 Annaprasadam Timings at Dharmasthala Temple:
- 1.0.8 Festivals Celebrated at Dharmasthala Temple:
- 1.0.9 Tulabhara Sevas at Dharmasthala Temple:
- 1.0.10 Dress Code for Dharmasthala Temple:
- 1.0.11 Tourist Places nearby Dharmasthala Temple:
- 1.0.12 Hotels near Dharmasthala Temple:
- 1.0.13 Dharmasthala Temple Address & Contact Numbers:
- 1.0.14 How to reach Dharmasthala Temple:
- 1.0.15 FAQs:
- 1.0.15.1 What are the rules for Dharmasthala Temple?
- 1.0.15.2 What is unique about Dharmasthala Temple?
- 1.0.15.3 What is the old name of Dharmasthala?
- 1.0.15.4 How many steps are there in Dharmasthala?
- 1.0.15.5 Which month is best for Dharmasthala?
- 1.0.15.6 What is the age limit for Dharmasthala?
- 1.0.15.7 What is the dress code for ladies in Dharmasthala?
- 1.0.16
Dating back 800 years, Dharmasthala was known as Kuduma. It is known as Kuduma in Mallarmadi, a village in Belthangady, and in this village lived a Jain Bunt priest or chieftain named Birmanna Pergade. He and his wife, Ammy Ballalthi, lived comfortably in the Nelliadi Beedu. The legend and history have it that the angels who guarded Dharma took human incarnations and reached this abode of Pergade. They sought a place where Dharma had preached, propagated, and practised.
They revered them as Indian tradition exemplifies a guest as Athiti and “Atithi Devo Bhava.” Pleased by their hospitality and generosity, the Daiva of Dharma appeared in Pergade’s dreams. This entire event was to propagate the importance of Dharma. So Pergade and his wife built another abode and worshipped Dharma at Nelliadi Beedu. Thus, the Worship of the Dharma Daivas continues.
Dharmasthala Temple Timings:
The Dharmasthala Temple Timings are 05:30 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 09:00 pm.
| Days | Timings |
| Monday | 05:30 am to 12:00 pm & 4:00 pm to 09:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 05:30 am to 12:00 pm & 4:00 pm to 09:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 05:30 am to 12:00 pm & 4:00 pm to 09:00 pm |
| Thursday | 05:30 am to 12:00 pm & 4:00 pm to 09:00 pm |
| Friday | 05:30 am to 12:00 pm & 4:00 pm to 09:00 pm |
| Saturday | 05:30 am to 12:00 pm & 4:00 pm to 09:00 pm |
| Sunday | 05:30 am to 12:00 pm & 4:00 pm to 09:00 pm |
Best time to visit Dharmasthala Temple:
Dharmasthala is generally flocked by tourists all year; however, the best time to visit is from November to January. Dharmasthala can be visited year-round, but based on the ideal climate conditions, cost of travel, and avoiding peak holiday periods.
The longest days between sunrise and sunset in Dharmasthala are usually in January, so visitors want to get the most out of their daytime activities. Plan the visit around this time. To stay dry, avoid travelling to Dharmasthala in July, the wettest month.
Deities at Dharmasthala Temple:
The Creators of the Temple are
- God Shiva
- Manjunatha
Dharmasthala Temple Speciality:
The Temple has shrines for Dharma Devathas – Justice Deities.
Dharmasthala Temple Special Sevas & Costs:
Temple Special Sevas and Costs are here
| Special Sevas | Costs |
| Silver Palaki Utsava | Rs.8000 |
| Silver Chariot Utsava | Rs.6000 |
| Silver Palaki Utsava & Silver Chariot Utsava | Rs.14000 |
| Gold Palaki Utsava | Rs.25000 |
| Gold Palaki Utsava & Silver Chariot Utsava | Rs.28500 |
| Silver Nandi Lalaki Utsava & Deepothsava | Rs.11000 |
| Silver Lalaki Utsava, Deepothsava | Rs.10000 |
| Ranga Pooja (24 Yede) | Rs.12000 |
| Ranga Pooja (48 Yede) | Rs.18000 |
| Katte Pooja | Rs.5000 |
| Vasantha Seva | Rs.2250 |
Annaprasadam at Dharmasthala Temple:
Every one of the thousands of pilgrims who enter the portals of Dharmasthala to seek the blessings of Lord Manjunatha is offered free food. Every visitor is a welcome guest irrespective of caste, creed, culture, or status.
Annapurna Choultry, an exquisite example of present-day architecture, has a modern, hygienic, automated kitchen to feed 30,000 to 70,000 pilgrims daily. To make Annapoorna Choultry truly eco-friendly, Shri D.Veerendra Heggade ensures the kitchen runs on alternate energy forms.
Annaprasadam Timings at Dharmasthala Temple:
Annaprasadam Timings are here
| Days | Morning Timings | Night Timings |
| Monday | 10:30 am to 04:30 pm | 7 pm to 10 pm |
| Tuesday | 11:00 am to 02:45 pm | 7 pm to 10 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:00 am to 02:45 pm | 7 pm to 10 pm |
| Thursday | 11:00 am to 02:45 pm | 7 pm to 10 pm |
| Friday | 11:00 am to 02:45 pm | 7 pm to 10 pm |
| Saturday | 11:00 am to 02:45 pm | 7 pm to 10 pm |
| Sunday | 10:30 am to 04:30 pm | 7 pm to 10 pm |
Festivals Celebrated at Dharmasthala Temple:
Some of the festivals celebrated at the Temple are:
Ganesha Chaturthi:
The Worship of the god Ganesha at the temple storehouse was followed by immersion in the temple tank.
Special pooja at the Shri Ammanavaru Shrine followed by nine days of religious activities. Entertainment programs fostering music, folk dances, harikathas, and bhajan.
Deepavali:
Deepavali is a celebration of the Festival of Lights to mark the beginning of the annual ceremonies.
Laksha Deepotsava:
The annual grand Festival of Lights is celebrated for the last five days of the month of Kartika. The Festival is coupled with events like Sarva Dharma & Sahitya Sammelanas—seminars on religions of the world – on day four of Lakshadeepotsava.
Shivarathri:
Night-long Bhajans follow this Festival—special poojas in the Worship of Lord Manjunatha Swamy.
Chaandramana Ugadi:
A celebration of the new year as per the Calendar.
Annual Jathre:
A nine-day Festival was conducted in April—Dharma Nemothsava for Dharmadaivas and Shri Annappa Swamy.
Tulabhara Sevas at Dharmasthala Temple:
Tulabhara Sevas and costs are here
| Particulars | Children Below 10 Years | Adults Below 70 Kg | Adults Above 70 Kg |
| In Rice | Rs.1200 | Rs.3200 | Rs.4000 |
| In Salt | Rs.1000 | Rs.1800 | Rs.2200 |
| In Tender Coconut | Rs.1500 | Rs.2800 | Rs.3900 |
| In Flower | Rs.1100 | Rs.2500 | Rs.3200 |
| In Rice Coconut | Rs.1600 | Rs.3400 | Rs.4200 |
| In Jaggery | Rs.1600 | Rs.3800 | Rs.4400 |
| In Coconut | Rs.1500 | Rs.3300 | Rs.3800 |
| In Bananas | Rs.1500 | Rs.2800 | Rs.3400 |
| In Sugar | Rs.1700 | Rs.3600 | Rs.4500 |
| In Grain | Rs.1600 | Rs.3400 | Rs.4200 |
| In Coins | Rs.8000 | Rs.22000 | Rs.27000 |
Dress Code for Dharmasthala Temple:
The Dharmasthala Temple management has a strict dress code for people of all genders, and if not followed, they are not allowed to enter the temple places. Men are required to take off their vests and shirts before entering the Sanctum. Bermuda nighties, half-pants, and miniskirts are not allowed.
Tourist Places nearby Dharmasthala Temple:
Tannirbavi Beach:
The Tannirbhavi Tree Park is located near Tannirbhavi Beach in Mangalore. The tree park truly justifies its name as it has numerous different species of unique and beautiful trees. Owing to the location of this lodge and the magnificent Western Ghats, this resort is home to several trees, plants, herbs, and shrubs used for medical purposes.
Mangaladevi Temple:
Sri Mangaladevi Temple is an ancient temple located in Bolar, 3 Km away from Mangalore in Karnataka. The local people believe that the name Mangalore was raised by the God Mangaladevi, who enriched this Temple. This Temple was built during the tenth century with the memories of the famous Rajmata of Malabar.
Kudroli Temple:
The Kudroli temple in Mangalore is a temple that is primarily dedicated to Shiva. The main Sanctum houses a Shiva Linga, while there are smaller temples to other Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu pantheon within the temple complex. In terms of antiquity, the Kadri Manjunatha and the Mangaladevi temple go back hundreds of years.
Kukke Subrahmanya Temple:
Kukke Subramanya is located amidst the hills of Subramanya in the western ghats. Lord Subramanya is the deity worshipped as a Cobra in the Temple. Temple is the famous place for Naga Dosha Pariharam through Ashlesha Pooja, Sarpa Dosha Puja, Kuja Dosha Puja, Nagaprathishta Pooja, Sarpa Samskara Pooja, Naga Dosha Pooja, Sarpa Shanti.
Hotels near Dharmasthala Temple:
- Ocean Pearl Ujjire
- Shri Ganesh Residency
- Adithya View
- Bougainvillea Residency
- Hotel Parijatha Inn
- Hotel Birwa
- Sri Kamalesha Residency
- Vaishnavi Comforts
- Purli homestay
Dharmasthala Temple Address & Contact Numbers:
- Sri Manjunatha Temple, Dharmasthala, Pesthangadi Taluk, Dakshina Kannada district, Near Mangalore, Karnataka – 574216.
- Contact Numbers: +91 8256277121, 277141
- Dharmasthala Temple: Official website
How to reach Dharmasthala Temple:
By Road:
Dharmasthala Bus Stand is the nearest bus stand.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is Mangalore Railway Station.
By Air:
Mangalore International Airport is the nearest airport.
FAQs:
What are the rules for Dharmasthala Temple?
Devotees visiting the Shri Manjunatha Temple in Dharmasthala must follow principles or rules. Men are disallowed to enter the Temple with half pants and should remove their shirts and vests. On the other hand, ladies are prohibited from wearing nighties in the Temple.
What is unique about Dharmasthala Temple?
The Temple is unusual because it is a Hindu temple run by a Jain administration, and poojas are conducted by Hindu priests who subscribe to the Vaishnava ideologies. Shaivas run most Shiva temples as opposed to the Madhava Bhramins, devotees of Vishnu and his avatars.
What is the old name of Dharmasthala?
Dharmasthala was known as Kuduma in Mallarmadi, then a village in Belthangady eight hundred years ago. Jain Bunt chieftain Birmanna Pergade and his wife Ammu Ballalthi lived in a house called Nelliadi Beedu.
How many steps are there in Dharmasthala?
One has to climb 300 steps to see the statues. Two, three, and four-wheelers can go up.
Which month is best for Dharmasthala?
The best time to visit Dharmasthala temple is between October and February when the weather is cool and pleasant.
What is the age limit for Dharmasthala?
Children below the age of two years are not allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum. Bags are not permitted inside the Temple to enable utmost security.
What is the dress code for ladies in Dharmasthala?
The preferred dress code for women is a saree or half-saree with a blouse or chudidhar with pyjama and upper cloth.