Manjunatha Temple, Dharmasthala

Dharmasthala temple is an 800-year old Hindu religious institution. The temple houses the deities lord Shiva, being worshiped as Manjunatha, Hindu goddess Ammavaru, Chandraprabha and the gods of Jainism, Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumarasvami and Kanyakumari.

The temple was reopened in 16th century by Hindu saint Vadiraja Tirtha by the request of the then temple administrator Devaraja Heggade. It is considered unique because the priests(poojari) in the temple are Madhwa Brahmins and the administration is run by a Jain Bunt family called the Pergades.

History:

Dharmasthala was known as Kuduma 800 years ago. The Jain chieftain Birmanna Pergade and his wife Ammu Ballalthi lived here in a house called Nelliadi Beedu. 

The Dharma Daivas appeared before Pergade to build seperate shrines to include the four Daivas Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumaraswamy and Kanyakumari along with the shrines of Manjunatha and Ammavaru.

According to the legend, the Dharma Daivas appeared in human forms and arrived at Pergade's residence in search of place where Dharma was being practised and found their residence. The Dharma Daivas appeared in dreams of Pergade and instructed him to vacate his house for the worship of the Daivas and dedicate his life to the spreading of Dharma.

How To Reach:

Dharmasthala bus stand is just 550 m away from the temple. You can reach the temple by walk easily.