Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple – 800 Year Old Famous Temple

By George On

Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple is an 800-year-old famous temple on the banks of River Netravati at Dharmasthala, a temple town in Dakshina Kannada District, India. The temple is also known as Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala.

Dharmasthala Temple
Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple Entrance.

This temple is famous for its Hindu and Jain deities. Lord Shiva is the main deity that is worshipped here. Lord Shiva is known as Manjunatha at this temple, and hence, the temple got its name, Manjunatha Temple. Theerthankara, a Jain deity is also worshiped in this temple. Four Daivas, Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumaraswamy, and Kanyakumari are also worshipped here.

Lakshadeepa festival is the main temple festival celebrated in November or December each year.

Dharmasthala Temple
Statue of Lord Bahubalii at Dharmasthala.

The monolithic stone sculpture of Lord Bahubalii, with a height of 39 feet and weighing 170 tonnes, is situated at a distance of around one kilometer from the Manjunatha temple. It was installed in 1982. You can reach the hilltop where the statue is situated by climbing the steps or by car.

The Pergade family, a Jain family belonging to the Bunt sub-community, is the hereditary trustees of the temple. They are known as Dharma Adhikari or Dharmadhikari (chief administrator). They are believed to be descendants of the creator of the temple. They are Feudal Lords, and they still resolve civil and criminal disputes. The practice is called “Hoyulu”. The present-day Dharma Adhikari, Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, is believed to be the 20th decedent of Birmanna Pergade (21st in line) and his wife Ammu Ballalthi; the first Pergade family member who built the temple.

Manjusha Car Museum

Manjusha Vintage Car Museum is a major attraction at Dharmasthala. It is owned by Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, chief administrator (Dharmadhikari) of the Manjunatha Temple at Dharmasthala.


There is a small entry fee of Rs 3/- to be paid (which may be subject to change). Photography is not prohibited in the Manjusha Vintage Car Museum. However, you may buy the book containing the details of the vintage car collections at the museum.

How Do I Go to Dharmasthala Temple?

Dharmasthala Temple is well connected to other parts of the country by roads. Mangalore is the nearest Major Town. Yedamangala (YDM) and Kabakaputtur (KBPR) railway stations are the nearest railway stations at around 27 to 28 kilometers distance from Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala. Bajpe Airport at Mangalore is the nearest airport at around 75 kilometers distance from Dharmasthala Temple.