Main Info
This place will leave you overwhelming because of its rich history and the binding of different cultures. The temple is one associated with Lord Shiva and thus homes a large Shivalinga inside the premises. A Shivalinga is the virtuous and most significant form of appearance of lord Shiva which is worshipped here in all its grandeur. Moreover, the blend of various sects involved with the working of this temple is a great message to hold on to. The temple belongs to the Shaiva sect of Hinduism and is taken care of by Vaishnava priests. It is administered by the Jain bunt family known as Pergades.
The Sri Manjunatha Swamy temple also known as Dharmasthala temple is more than 800 years old. It is located in southern India but is revered by people across the country. The specific God figure associated with this Shivalinga is the diety Manjunatheshwara who is a form of Shiva. The elegance of this temple is multiplied because of the nearby flowing Nethravati river. The pilgrims attach a special significance to it and prefer taking a dip in the holy river.
Other than the main form of Shiva in this temple that is Manjunath, there are other deities and Gods who are worshipped here. These include Ammanavaru, the Tithankara Chandraprabha and Jain Gods such as Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumaraswami and Kanyakumari.
More on Dharmasthala Temple
History
A Jain couple Birmanna and Pergade lived peacefully at this place around 800 years ago. They were a serene couple practicing good deeds in their lives and moving ahead on the path of righteousness. One day, the demigods also known as the Daivas adopted human forms and came on the precincts of earth in search of a place where right deeds were being practiced.
They also wanted a place where they would be assured of propogation of Dharma. They came across this home and were impressed by this couple. Therefore, the Daivas instructed Pergade to build a temple at their home. They blessed them with long life of the Pergade family and protection to the village.
Later, the Daivas appeared in dreams to instruct the couple about more shrines that were required to be constructed. That is how the major Shivalinga of Manjunatheshwara was created along with the other associated deity figures.
Architecture
The construct resembles the architecture of the ancient Sapta-Konkana region.It has a high statue of bahubali and also embraces figures of other Gods such as Lord Vishnu’s NruSimha Saligrama avatar which sits beside the main Shivalinga. Shrines of Goddesses such as Ammanavaru, Parvathi and Lord MahaGanapathi increase the austerity of the premises.
A shrine of Goddess Durga is also inculcated within the temple premises. Shrines belonging to the Dharma Daivas are located in the vicinity. These Gods are Kalarahu, Kalarkai, Kumaraswamy and Kanyakumari
Annaprasadam
The temple offers Prasad in the form of three free meals to anyone entering the temple. It is considered auspicious and caters to the sacred ancient beliefs of offering food to the devotees so that their pilgrimage is considered complete.
The kitchen is an eco-friendly place where the food is prepared with utmost devotion and modern hygienic techniques. The temple does not make any discrimination between the people and is welcoming to all castes, creeds, cultures and religions.
Shri Mudi
The temple embraces a unique tradition where the devotees can offer their hair on the payment of a certain fee in the temple. Through this gesture, they try to imbibe the belief that they have removed all materialistic desires and their ultimate aim is to become one with the deity. The devotees take a bath in the holy river after this procedure.
Festivals
A variety of festivals are celebrated within the premises. These include Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi and Shivratri. They are celebrated with grandeur and a great festive mood. A unique festivity of this temple is the ‘Deepotsava’ which is held annually around November-December.
Tips
The temple has a specific dress code. Males will not be allowed in vests, skirts or half pants. Women will not be allowed inside in night gowns.
The morning darshan, pooja and Prasad inside the temple happens between 6:30 AM- 2:00 PM. Also, the abhisheka and archane are held between 8:30 AM- 11:00 AM. Timings for evening darshan and pooja are 7:00 PM- 8:30 PM.
Thulbhara seva can also be offered at the temple between 7:30 AM and 12:30 PM.
Children below the age of 2 are not allowed inside the temple premises. Carrybags and mobile phones are also not allowed.
How to reach
The Karnataka road transport corporation provides an easy way to reach the temple which is located in the Belthangady Taluk of South Kanara district of Karnataka.
