Composing…
/Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple, Dharmasthala
State Temple
Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple, Dharmasthala
श्री मंजुनाथ स्वामी मंदिर, धर्मस्थल
Location
Dharmasthala, Karnataka
Darshan
–
Deity
🪔Lord Shiva (Manjunatha)
Entry
Free entry
Dharmasthala represents a unique syncretic tradition: the deity is Lord Shiva (Manjunatha), the priests are Vaishnava Brahmins, and the temple administration is run by a Jain family (the Heggades). The temple is a massive center of charity, feeding over 50,000 pilgrims daily.
Mythology
The local chieftain Birmanna Pergade and his wife Ammu Ballalthi were visited by four guardian angels (Dharma Daivas). Following their instructions, Pergade built shrines. Later, Annappa Swamy procured the Lingam of Lord Manjunatha from Kadri in Mangaluru and installed it here. The place, originally named Kuduma, became Dharmasthala (the abode of Dharma/Righteousness).