Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala
The Landmark of Dharma | Lord Manjunatha Swamy
Lord Shiva
Jain Heggade Family
Anna Daana
The Essence of Dharmasthala
Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala is an 800-year-old institution that stands as a beacon of religious harmony. It is uniquely structured: while the temple is dedicated to Lord Manjunatha (Shiva), the rituals are performed by priests of the Vaishnava tradition, and the temple is protected and administered by a Jain family. This confluence of beliefs makes it one of the most respected pilgrimage sites in India.
The temple is governed by the Dharmadhikari (currently Dr. Veerendra Heggade), who continues the tradition of the “Four Daanas”: Anna (Food), Aushadha (Medicine), Vidya (Education), and Abhaya (Justice).
| Landmark | Significance |
|---|---|
| Lord Bahubali Statue | A 39-ft monolithic statue on Ratnagiri Hill, symbolizing sacrifice and peace. |
| Netravati River | The holy river where pilgrims bathe before entering the shrine. |
| Manjusha Museum | Houses a world-class collection of vintage cars and ancient scripts. |
| Annapoorna Kitchen | One of the world’s most efficient community kitchens, serving free meals 365 days a year. |
Location & Travel Map
Visitor Protocol 2026
- ⏰ Darshan Timings: 6:30 AM – 2:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
- 🍛 Food: Free meals at the Annapoorna Dining Hall.
- 👗 Dress Code: Traditional attire is a must. Men must remove shirts and vests before entering the sanctum.
Travel Pro-Tip
The Netravati Dip: It is customary to take a holy dip in the Netravati River (2km before the temple) before your Darshan. Most local buses and taxis will stop there upon request.