Why is Dharmasthala unique?

Dharmasthala is the only major temple in India where a Jain family (Heggade) administers a Hindu Shiva temple. This tradition of religious harmony has continued for over 800 years. The temple also runs one of the world's largest free meal services, feeding 30,000+ people daily.

Is there a dress code at Dharmasthala?

Yes, there is a strict traditional dress code. Men must wear dhoti/panche (not pants or shorts). Women should wear saree or salwar kameez. Rental dhotis are available near the temple for men.

How to reach Dharmasthala?

Dharmasthala is 75 km from Mangalore and 300 km from Bangalore. KSRTC runs direct buses from both cities. The nearest railway station is Mangalore. The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport.

Why is Dharmasthala unique?

Dharmasthala is the only major temple in India where a Jain family (Heggade) administers a Hindu Shiva temple. This tradition of religious harmony has continued for over 800 years. The temple also runs one of the world's largest free meal services, feeding 30,000+ people daily.

Is there a dress code at Dharmasthala?

Yes, there is a strict traditional dress code. Men must wear dhoti/panche (not pants or shorts). Women should wear saree or salwar kameez. Rental dhotis are available near the temple for men.

How to reach Dharmasthala?

Dharmasthala is 75 km from Mangalore and 300 km from Bangalore. KSRTC runs direct buses from both cities. The nearest railway station is Mangalore. The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport.

Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple

Dharmasthala, Karnataka

Main God

Lord Shiva

Timings

6:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Location

Dharmasthala

Type

MAJOR

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Lord Shiva

6:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Plan Visit

Sri Manjunatheshwara Temple in Dharmasthala is unique in India - a Shiva temple administered by a Jain family (Heggade). The temple embodies the spirit of religious harmony for over 800 years. The presiding deity Lord Manjunatha (Shiva) is worshipped by Hindu priests while Jain idols are also venerated in the premises. The temple is run by the Heggade family who provide free meals (Annadana) to over 30,000 pilgrims daily, making it one of the largest free feeding operations in the world. A 39-foot statue of Lord Bahubali (Gomateshwara) was installed here in 1973.

Darshan Guide

Enter through the main entrance and proceed to the Manjunatha Temple

Take darshan of Lord Manjunatha (Shiva Lingam)

Visit the Chandranatha Basadi (Jain shrine)

See the 39-foot Bahubali (Gomateshwara) statue

Participate in the free Annadana (meal service)

How to Reach

By Bus

KSRTC from Bangalore (300 km) and Mangalore (75 km)

By Air

Mangalore Airport (75 km)

By Rail

Mangalore Station (74 km)

Temples & Travel

Services

Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple

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Arunachaleswarar Temple

About Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple

Darshan Timings

Darshan Guide

Enter through the main entrance and proceed to the Manjunatha Temple

Take darshan of Lord Manjunatha (Shiva Lingam)

Visit the Chandranatha Basadi (Jain shrine)

See the 39-foot Bahubali (Gomateshwara) statue

Participate in the free Annadana (meal service)

Location & Directions

How to Reach

About the Main God

Lord Shiva

Nearby Heritage Sites

Group of Monuments at Hampi

Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala

Group of Monuments at Pattadakal

Frequently Asked Questions

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple

Chamundeshwari Temple

Grishneshwar Temple (Ghrishneshwar)

Nearby Heritage Sites

Group of Monuments at Hampi

Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala

Group of Monuments at Pattadakal