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Dharmasthala Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

August 8, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 37 Comments Filed Under: Karnataka Temples Tagged With: Shiva Temples

Dharmasthala Temple of Sri Manjunathaswamy is located on the banks of the River Nethravathi in the town of Dharmasthala in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. The deities worshiped here are Sri Manjunatha (Lord Shiva) and Ammavaru (Goddess Parvati) along with Jain Tirthankara Chandraprabha and Jain protection Gods, Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumarasvami, and Kanyakumari.

Dharmasthala Temple – Facts

Deity Lord Manjunatha Swamy (Lord Shiva)
Location Dharmasthala, Karnataka
Best Time to VisitOctober to December
Entry Fee Free
Darshan Timings4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
PoojasMaharudrabhishek
FestivalsShravan Maas, Mahashivratri
Sri Dharmasthala Manjunathaswamy Temple, Karnataka

The Dharmasthala Temple has presiding deities belonging to both the Hindu and the Jain community.  The word “Dharmasthala” means “the place where the truth or righteousness resides (Dharma meaning the truth and Sthala meaning the place of stay)”. Hence, the place signifies the abode of “Dharma” or truth & justice.

The Dharmasthala Temple is one of the five temples famous in Karnataka as the Pancha Kshetras of Lord Shiva. The other four temples are in Nanjanagud, Sri Murudeshwar, Dhareshwara, and Gokarna.

The priests are Hindus and follow Vaishnavism and the Jain Bunt family (the Pergades) run the temple administration.

What are the timings of Dharmasthala Temple?

The temple opens at 6:15 AM in the morning and closes at 8:30 PM in the evening. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals such as the afternoon and evening aarti.

The timings of Dharmasthala Temple are as follows:

Rituals Timings
Darshan6:15 AM – 8:30 PM
Morning Darshan6:15 AM – 11:00 AM
Afternoon Darshan12:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Shatarudrabhishekam Pooja8:10 AM
Shiva Sahasranamavalli10:45 AM
Mahanaivedya Samarpana11:30 AM
Mahapooja12:00 PM
Nityabali12:10 PM

Dharmasthala Temple Food Timings

Dharmasthala Temple serves very hygienic food for free and is a must-have. The timings are from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Which sevas and poojas take place at Dharmasthala Temple?

The following Sevas take place for Sri Manjunathaswamy:

  • Shata Rudrabhishekam: The pooja is extremely auspicious and sacred. Devotees also believe that by performing the Pooja at Dharmasthala Temple, one can obtain protection and fulfillment of the wishes from God.
  • Bilva Pathrarchana: The archana takes place for the deity at Dharmasthala Temple with the Bilva leaves on behalf of the devotee.
  • Panchamrutha Abhishekam with Ekadasha Rudrabhishekam: The Lord is bathed with “Panch Amrit” that are Milk, Curd, Ghee, Honey and Sugar on behalf of the devotee. Then the Ekadasha Rudrabhishekam Pooja is performed for all the eleven Rudras of Lord Shiva. After the aavahan (welcoming of the deity), sthaapna (giving a seat to the deity) Laghu-nyasam is recited. Then Rudra Trishati is recited. Abhishekam is also done to each of the 11 Rudras with all the 11 dravyas prescribed in the Shiv Puraana
  • Karpoora Aarti: The aarti takes place for the Lord with camphor known as the Karpoora on behalf of the devotee.

One can also obtain the Theertha bottle and Sri Prasada from the Seva counter at Dharmasthala Temple.

The following Sevas take place for Sri Ammavaru:

  • Pavamanabhishekam: The word Pavamana means water that flows and purifies. This Abhishekam is performed amidst hymns for the purification of the soul.
  • Flower Pooja: The Goddess is decorated in a delightful combination of flowers and archana is done with flowers amidst several chants and mantras.
  • Panchamrutha Abhishekam: The priest bathes the Lord in Panch Amrit that are Milk, Curd, Ghee, Honey and Sugar on behalf of the devotee.
  • Kumkumarchana: The archana takes place for the Goddess with Kumkum on behalf of the deity.
Dharmasthala Bahubali Abhishekam

Besides the above sevas to the God and Goddess, special Sevas also take place which are:

  • Gold Pallaki Utsav: The priest worships the idol of the Lord and the Goddess in a Golden Pallaki on behalf of the devotee.
  • Silver Lalaki and Deepothsava: Devotees light a large number of lamps or deepams in dedication to God and perform several poojas and rituals.
  • Ranga Pooja: The pooja takes place only between Monday to Friday with either 24 Yede or 48 Yede.
  • Tulabhara Seva: The seva can take place between 7:30 AM to 12:30 AM on all the days of the week. This seva includes the devotee sitting on one side of the Tula or the weighing balance. Also, devotees make offerings equivalent to their weights. Then they donate them to the temple. The seva can take place for both children and adults at the temple. The pooja material depends on the choice of devotees like rice, coconut, flowers, bananas, jaggery, sugar, and coins.

What is the significance of Dharmasthala Temple?

Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy

The significance of Dharmasthala Temple is that it is an epitome of religious tolerance and charity. The temple complex houses a Jain shrine for Sri Chandraprabha Swamy and a Hindu shrine for Lord Shiva. Also, Dharmasthala Temple priests belong to Vaishnavite sects (who treat Lord Vishnu as the supreme God).

The Heggade who is the authority of the Dharmasthala Temple administration performs a kind of judicial function also. Devotees also believe that Lord of Dharma resides at the temple and that justice will prevail here. Civil complaints called Hoyulus are settled here between the parties involved after they present their cases to the Heggade. The decision given by the Heggade on the Hoyulus is accepted by the civil courts of the country.

The Dharmasthala Temple is famous for the Chaturdanas in Karnataka. Chaturdanas means “Four types of charities”. The four types of charities that take place in the temple are Anna Danam, Abhaya Danam, Aushadh Danam, and the Vidya Danam. The Anna Danam scheme involves providing free food to all the pilgrims visiting the temple. Another scheme involves the Heggade offering his advice to people who queue to meet him in matters of general life.

The temple administration runs several hospitals and health care centers and offers free medical aid to the needy. This is under the scheme of Aushadh Danam. Under the Vidya Danam, the trust has constructed several non-profit educational institutions that provide good quality education to the underprivileged class of the society.

Dharmasthala Temple Bahubali

Annaprasadam

The Annaprasadam at the Annapoorna Choultry is one of the mega kitchens in the world, found a mention in the National Geographic as one of the most efficient and resourceful kitchens in India. The kitchen can serve 30,000 to 70,000 pilgrims every day. Moreover, the kitchen modern. The wastage is disposed of in an eco-friendly manner.

The statue is naked in appearance symbolizing complete victory over earthly desires and ascent towards divinity.

Dharmasthala Temple Annapoorna Kitchen

What is the history of Dharmasthala Temple?

According to history, 8000 years ago, the town of Dharmasthala was popular as Kuduma. A Jain chieftain by the name of Birmanna Pergade lived there with his wife Ammu Ballathi.  Nelliadi Beedu was the name of their home. The couple was famous for their generosity and simple life in the community.

Hearing the public talk, the four guardian angels of Dharma arrived at their home in search of a place where they could propagate the philosophy of Dharma. Hence, the Pergade couple received them in their human forms with great respect and sincerity. The angels were very happy with the hospitality of the couple.

At night, the Lord Dharma visited the couple in their dreams and asked the couple to vacate the house for the worship of the Daivas (Gods) and dedicate their lives to propagate Dharma. The Pergades then left the house and started worshiping the Dharma Gods. The Dharma Daivas appeared once more and communicated to the Pergades that they have to build separate shrines for the four Dharma Daivas – Kalaharu, Kalarkai, Kumaraswami, and Kanyakumari.

He also needed to choose two persons of Noble birth to act as an oracle for the Daivas and four persons for helping the Pergades in administration.  The Daivas, in turn, promised the Pergade family protection from all evils, abundance in funds and fame.

As instructed, Shri Pergade built the four shrines and invited the Brahmin priests to perform the rituals. On the request of the Brahmins, he sent Annappa Swamy, to procure the idol of Shri Manjunathaswamy from Kadri. Later, a shrine was built making Dharmasthala as Lord Manjunathaswamy’s abode.

In the 16th century by Shri Vadiraja Swamy of Udupi performed the consecration ceremony of the Linga by following the holy Vedic rites.

Present-day Pergades

The Pergades and their future generations maintain absolute selflessness to date and are famous for their simplicity and charity. The successive Pergade family’s eldest male member assumes the responsibility of the Dharmasthala Temple and his title is Dharma Adhikari and Heggade. The current Heggade, Shri Veerendra Heggade belongs to the 21st generation of the Jain family.

What is the dress code for Dharmasthala Temple?

The Dharmasthala Temple administration has a strict dress code for both women and women and if not followed, they are disallowed from entering the temple premises. Men are required to remove their shirts and vests before entering the Sanctum. Bermuda half-pants, nighties, and miniskirts are not allowed.

Please note: Children below 2 years of age are not allowed to enter the Sanctum.

Which festivals are celebrated at Dharmasthala Temple?

Dharmasthala Temple Festivals

Some of the festivals celebrated at the Dharmsthala temple are:

  • Maha Nadaveli: All the festivals in Dharmasthala Temple take place during these 11 days. It starts with the Ganesha Festival and then the Laksha Deepotsava for five days. The chest containing the ornaments of the Dharma Daivas is taken around in a procession on the sixth day. The next four days are the days when the Dharma Daivas visit the Heggade through a Darshana Patthiri.
  • Laksha Deepotsava: The festival of lights is held for five days every year during the month of Karthik (November – December). The event includes events like Sarva Dharma and Sahitya Sammelanas. The Sarva Dharma event means giving equal importance to the philosophies of all religions. Also, Sahitya Sammelan means literary meet for all people.
  • Mahashivaratri: The festival occurs in February or March at Dharmasthala Temple. The festival signifies the marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati. Some also believe that this is the day when Lord Shiva absorbed the poison that turned him blue during the churning of Amrit’s episode in mythology. Devotees keep fast and sing bhajans throughout the night and into the day. Special poojas take place for the Linga. Thousands of pilgrims from in and around Karnataka visit the shrine to receive blessings from the God themselves.

How to reach Dharmasthala Temple?

Here’s how to reach Dharmsthala Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport which is about 65 km from Dharmasthala Temple.
  • Train: The Mangalore railway station at a distance of 74 km is the nearest railway station to Dharmasthala. Devotees can hire taxis from there.
  • Road: KSRTC buses operate buses from all over the state to Dharmasthala.

Bangalore to Dharmasthala

Here’s how to reach from Bangalore to Dharmasthala:

  • Air: Fly from Bangalore International Airport to Mangalore. Mangalore International Airport is about 75 km from Dharmasthala Temple.
  • Train: Take a train from Bangalore to Mangalore. Mangalore railway station at a distance of 75 km is the nearest railway station.
  • Road: KSRTC buses operate regularly from Bangalore to Dharmasthala.

Where to stay in Dharmasthala?

The Dharmasthala Temple management operates ten guest houses all of which contain basic and hygienic amenities. The guest houses are Ganga, Kaveri, Narmada, Gayathri, Nethravati, Vaishali, Sharavathi, Saketha, Gangotri, and Rajathadri. Besides the Dharmasthala Temple accommodation, several private hotels and lodges also provide good quality accommodation to the devotees.

Where to eat in Dharmasthala?

The Annaprasadam offered free of cost to all the visiting devotees is a must-have for any visitor who wishes to eat at the temple. The meal consists of three courses and is served in a very hygienic manner. Several small vegetarian hotels are there around the Dharmasthala Temple Complex.

The cuisine is mainly South Indian but certain restaurants do serve North Indian and Chinese dishes as well.

What are some of the temples nearby?

Some of the temples near Dharmsthala temple are:

  • Sri Chandranatha Swamy Basadi: The ancient and one of the most important shrines for Jain pilgrimage is within the town of Dharmasthala. The temple dates back to several centuries and is an important Digambara shrine. The temple consists of marble in a traditional Kerala style of architecture.
  • The Bahubali Hill: A devotee must visit the gigantic statue of Bahubali erected on a hill near the temple complex. The statue is 39 feet tall. According to the legend associated with Bahubali, Bharat and Bahubali were the sons of the first Jain Tirthankara, King Rishabha. When Rishabha renounced all material things, he gave the kingdom of Ayodhya to Bharat and Podanapura to Bahubali. Eventually, Bharat conquered the whole region except Podanapura. To avoid bloodshed, they both fought hand to hand. Just when Bahubali was going to kill Bharat, he realized the futility of war and feud. So Bahubali handed over the Kingdom to Bharat and renounced the world to become a Saint or a Digambara.
  • Sri Sadashiva Rudra Temple: The temple is about 12 km away from Dharmasthala in the village, Suriya. Moreover, the temple is 700 years old. The uniqueness of the temple lies in the fact that it accepts only clay offerings on behalf of Lord Shiva, who is the presiding deity of the temple. Moreover, offerings like clay chairs, tables, bride and groom, cradle, house, cattle, and limbs are available outside the temple for the devotee to choose and offer.
  • Kukke Subrahmanya Temple: The famous temple dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya is located at a distance of 47 km from the Dharmasthala temple. The Lord Subrahmanya idol represents him as a guardian of snakes and their King Vasuki. Also, the famous Ashlesha Bali, Nagasarpa Dosha Pooja, and the Naagprathishta take place here.
  • Sri Udupi Krishna Temple: The unique temple of Sri Krishna in a Bal Avatar is situated at a distance of 101 km from Dharmasthala. The idol of Sri Krishna is represented as a child holding a churning rod in one hand and a rope on the other. Moreover, this form of Krishna is not present anywhere else in the world. Devotees also believe that Lord Krishna’s wife Rukmini made the idol.

Some other famous temples located in Karnataka are:

  • Kadri Manjunath Temple: Kadri Manjunath Temple is dedicated to Sri Manjunatha and is located in Kadri, Mangalore. The Kadri Manjunath Temple is one of the best examples of religious harmony, where people from two faiths, Hinduism and Buddhism worship together with the deity of Lord Shiva as Lord Manjunatha.
  • Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Annapoorneshwari and is located on the banks of River Bhadra in Horanadu, in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The town of Horanadu is also popular as “Sri Kshethra Horanadu” in respect of the Goddess.
  • Sringeri Temple: The Sringeri Temple or Sringeri Sharada Peetham is located in Karnataka. It is the first of the four Ammaya Peetham established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The word Amnaya Peetham means “Throne of the Veda”. The head of the Mutt is Jagadguru meaning “Teacher of the world”.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dharmasthala Temple

Is the Dharmasthala Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Dharmasthala Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Dharmasthala Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizens?

No. There is no facility for specially-abled and senior citizens.

What is the weather like during the summer?

The summers in Dharmasthala starts from April and continue until June. The summers here can be very hot and humid. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 42 º C.

What are winters like in Dharmasthala?

In Dharmasthala, winters start in October and continue until March. The temperatures during this time range from around 20 º C to 30 º C. The weather during this time is warm and pleasant.

If you have any questions about the Dharmasthala Temple, please leave your comment below and we will get back to you within one hour.

About Sasidhar Darla

Sasidhar Darla is Myoksha Travel's Founder. He is passionate about traveling to temples and preparing travel guides to help other pilgrims.

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  1. Kaavya Hariharan says

    December 6, 2022 at 10:59 am

    Dear Team,

    Our family would like to visit the Dharmasthala temple but will it be crowded from 26th Dec to 28th Dec. This information will be helpful in planning our trip.
    Kindly reply.

    Regards,
    Kaavya

    Reply
    • Sasidhar Darla says

      December 6, 2022 at 12:01 pm

      It’s usually crowded during holiday times

      Reply
  2. Subramanian says

    August 7, 2022 at 4:40 pm

    Subramanian. Are you allowed mobile phone inside of the temple

    Reply
  3. Sadhan says

    April 19, 2022 at 7:02 pm

    I had got coconut from Dharmasthala temple. Somebody told me it should be disposed only at Netravadi river. Is it so. Please clarify.

    Reply
  4. Divya S says

    October 14, 2021 at 7:00 pm

    Is Dharmasthala presenly rushed by people

    Reply
  5. Nirosha says

    September 24, 2021 at 2:06 pm

    Is dharmastala open on weekends in September 2021

    Reply
  6. Mahesh says

    September 12, 2021 at 3:05 am

    One time giving tulabara broken that is sad

    Reply
  7. Sowmya R says

    March 10, 2021 at 5:05 pm

    Can I book special entrance ticket through online

    Reply
  8. Ramachandrapp p P R says

    March 8, 2021 at 1:59 pm

    Sir we have to get Darshan on12/3/21on morning my parents are above 60yers aged so how can I get paid Darshan

    Reply
  9. Rajeshkumar Naik says

    January 27, 2021 at 8:12 pm

    How to use theerthakai prasad (coconut inside a white cloth) ? What is its significance ?
    Reply

    Reply
  10. Priya says

    December 15, 2020 at 2:51 pm

    Im planning for 1st hair shaving n ear piercing for my 10 month old daughter in Dharmasthala s it possible

    Reply
    • Deepak says

      March 6, 2022 at 8:39 pm

      Did you get this service ?

      Reply
  11. SHEKARA NAIKA says

    October 13, 2020 at 9:01 pm

    Kindly provide more details about “Ammanavaru” of Dharmasthala Manjunath Temple

    Reply
  12. Vinayaga Murthy M says

    May 25, 2020 at 4:25 pm

    Sir
    I need to contribute for the temple through online payment.
    Can you please share the bank details.

    Reply
  13. Vijaykumar says

    March 27, 2020 at 4:47 am

    Please let us know about the bad news or situation in the dharmastala coz of corona virus

    Reply
  14. s.manjunatha says

    February 21, 2020 at 10:23 am

    dear sir march 02.2020 silver pallaki doing please conform sir and cost

    Reply
  15. Anandhi says

    February 19, 2020 at 3:15 pm

    Can we book rooms coming directly or through online only

    Reply
    • Sasidhar Darla says

      February 20, 2020 at 9:05 am

      Online is better. If you want to try directly you will have to wait hours before you get a room

      Reply
  16. B mahesh says

    February 17, 2020 at 10:55 am

    Sir is there is special que for sinior citizen for dharshan. In dharmastala on Shivaratri.

    Reply
  17. Swetha says

    February 15, 2020 at 11:33 pm

    Is urulu Seva is allowed in dharmastala. If yes then, what is the timing. Thank you in advance

    Reply
  18. NARASIMHA AGNIHOTRI says

    February 5, 2020 at 8:44 am

    Good morning what is mean by Basi what poojas will be performed and what is the done please clarify me.in detail

    Reply
  19. Ramagopal babu.N says

    February 3, 2020 at 8:57 pm

    We are planning to visit temple on 21 st Feb Mahasivaratri. Will it be difficult for good darshan or any provision of special darshan . can you please advise

    Reply
    • Sasidhar Darla says

      February 4, 2020 at 12:41 pm

      There will be huge rush during that time. Special darshan is available but that will also take time.

      Reply
  20. Ravindra Devaraj says

    January 31, 2020 at 6:11 pm

    When will shivarathri festival rush start at dharmastala in February 2020

    Reply
    • Sasidhar Darla says

      February 1, 2020 at 8:59 pm

      By Feb 14

      Reply
  21. Palaniappan says

    January 16, 2020 at 5:35 pm

    How to use theerthakai prasad (coconut inside a white cloth) ? What is its significance? Recently I bought 2 of them.

    Reply
  22. G NAGARAJU says

    December 26, 2019 at 10:06 am

    Sir

    How to book in advance to stay in temle
    guest house for a family . How many in advance we wants to lan

    Reply
  23. Suresh says

    October 6, 2019 at 10:44 pm

    Why should remove the clothes enter inside the temple

    Reply
    • Sasidhar Darla says

      October 7, 2019 at 9:25 am

      Men need to remove the shirt before entering the temple. It is the temple tradition and is also common across most of Kerala.

      Reply
  24. Meenakshi Sundaram says

    July 19, 2019 at 10:00 pm

    Is there wheelchair facilities

    Reply
  25. Suresh K says

    February 14, 2019 at 4:30 pm

    Need timings for tulabara offering

    Reply
  26. N Kumar says

    December 26, 2018 at 10:52 am

    Hi
    I am planning to visit the temple on 6th Jan (sunday), how much time should I plan for the darshan thru general queue and thru VIP darshan (paid ticket) queue.
    Also, can I book the paid ticket online or this need to be obtained from the temple premises.

    Reply
  27. Naveen says

    October 31, 2018 at 1:18 am

    Hi sir ,now at dharmasthala climate is how is it and tell me dharsn timings on November.

    Reply
    • Sasidhar Darla says

      October 31, 2018 at 10:21 am

      Climate is good now. Darshan timings are the same in november.

      Reply
  28. Chandran says

    October 27, 2018 at 5:00 pm

    I want know about clock room facilities on temple, I hope your replay

    Reply
  29. SHRIKANT DEVAGIRI,, DHARWAD 9448055396 says

    February 8, 2018 at 5:12 pm

    I REGULARY VISIT DHARMASTHALA TWICE IN A YR. WHENEVER I VISIT THIS HOLY PLACE
    MIND BECOMES FRESH. I PRAY MANJUANTHSWAMY REGULARY TO GIVE PEACE OF MIND
    TO EVERYBODY.

    Reply
    • Sasidhar Darla says

      February 9, 2018 at 8:52 am

      Dear Sir, Dharmasthala Temple is such a divine place. We are so glad that you are fortunate to visit the temple every year. Please pray for the well being of our country.

      Reply

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