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Karnataka

Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple, Dharmasthala

Where all faiths serve together.

Deity
Shiva as Sri Manjunatha
Where
Dharmasthala, Karnataka
Time to keep
1 day
Best season
October to March; Laksha Deepotsava in November–December

Why this temple matters

A Shiva temple run by a Jain family (the Heggades) with Madhva priests, Dharmasthala is known across Karnataka for charity: free meals for every pilgrim, and generations of service.

The story

Tradition says the guardian spirits of dharma (the Dharma Daivas) appeared to the Heggade family and asked them to establish a place where dharma would be practised. A Shiva lingam was later brought from Kadri in Mangalore and installed as Manjunatha.

What to look for

  • The free community meal (anna dana) served to thousands daily
  • The Bahubali statue on the nearby hill
  • The car museum and Manjusha museum

Festivals and when to go

  • Laksha Deepotsava (November–December)
  • Maha Shivaratri

The practical truth

  • Men are usually asked to remove shirts and wear a dhoti or similar for darshan.
  • Queues can be long on weekends and holidays.

Timings, rules and festival dates change. We confirm the current details for every yatra.

Have a question about Dharmasthala?

Questions about this temple? Ask us directly.

Start a guided enquiry

Combine Dharmasthala with

KarnatakaKukke SubramanyaLord of the serpents Udupi: The famous Lord Krishna temple situated in the town of Udupi, Karnataka.... FOr more info..Please visit en.wikipedia.org KarnatakaUdupiSri Krishna through the window Horanadu: Entrance to the Annapoorneswari Temple at Horanadu, Karnataka. The temple is recent, but the idol's history is traced ba KarnatakaHoranaduMother who feeds all

How we take you here

Tell us your dates, your companions and your pace. We shape the yatra and explain every cost before you confirm.

Plan my Dharmasthala yatra

Questions yatris ask

When is the best time to visit Dharmasthala?

October to March; Laksha Deepotsava in November–December. Festival days are the most crowded, so plan and book early for those.

How much time should we keep for Dharmasthala?

We suggest 1 day at an easy pace, more if you are travelling with elders or for a festival.

What can we combine with Dharmasthala?

Kukke Subramanya, Udupi, Horanadu fit well on the same yatra. Your SahaYatri will suggest an order that suits your pace.

Can TirthaSeva plan our yatra to Dharmasthala?

Yes. We plan the route, travel, stays and temple visits around your pace, with a multilingual SahaYatri as your single point of contact. Message us on WhatsApp at +91 74115 67001.