Manjunatha Temple - Dharmasthala, Mangalore - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple

At a distance of 70 km from Mangalore, Dharmasthala is a sacred town in Karnataka. Situated on the banks of the Nethravathi River, it is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Karnataka, and among the popular places to visit as part of Mangalore packages.
The main attraction of Dharmasthala is the famous Manjunatha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Manjunatha or Lokeshwara. This place is also known as Sri Kshetra, and is one of the top places to visit near Mangalore. It is said that the Shiva Linga worshipped at this temple was procured from Kadri Temple in Mangalore.

History & Mythology of Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple

Dharmasthala Temple is an 800-year-old Hindu temple situated in Dharmasthala. Manjunatheshwara, or Dharmasthala Manjunatha, is the chief and the presiding deity of this holy and spiritual abode. The Dharmasthala temple is a Shaiva temple that is worshipped by Vaishnava priests, and the administration is in the hands of Jain descendants.

Dharmasthala was formerly referred to as Kuduma, a village located in Belthangady. Within this village resided a Jain chieftain named Birmanna Pergade, who lived in a house known as Nelliadi Beedu. According to local legend, celestial beings tasked with safeguarding Dharma took on human forms in search of a location where Dharma was actively preached, promoted, and practiced. They arrived at Pergade's residence, where he and his wife graciously hosted the visitors, unaware of their divine nature. Satisfied with their hospitality and kindness, the Gods of Dharma visited Pergade in his dreams, revealing the purpose of their visit and requesting that he vacate his home to establish a place of worship for Dharma. Consequently, Pergade and his wife constructed a new dwelling and commenced their worship of Dharma at Nelliadi Beedu, a tradition that continues to this day.

The Daivas subsequently appeared to Pergade, instructing him to erect separate shrines for the four Daivas: Kumaraswamy, Kalarkayi, Kalarahu, and Kanyakumari. They also directed him to select two individuals from a noble lineage to represent the Daivas' vision. Furthermore, they requested that he identify four deserving individuals to assist him in fulfilling his ritualistic duties as the head priest. In return for his unwavering devotion, the Daivas assured him of his family's safety, opportunities for charitable acts, and renown for the Kshetra.

Pergade proceeded to construct the shrines and invited esteemed Brahmins to conduct the pujas. The Brahmin priests suggested that Pergade install a Shivalinga adjacent to the Daivas. In response, the Daivas dispatched a messenger to retrieve the Shivalinga from the Kadri Manjunatha temple, leading to the establishment of the Dharmasthala Manjunatha temple around the linga.

The Architecture of Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple

The Manjunatha Temple has been built following the Kerala temple architecture coupled with a lavish use of wood, stone and metals. The base structure of the temple is made using granite and laterite. Its design follows a square layout, culminating in a pyramidal roof. This roof, crafted from wood, is adorned with gold-plated copper sheets to safeguard the internal framework against the intense monsoon rains characteristic of the Western Ghats. The temple's entrance is characterized by a three-tiered structure with sloping roofs. Within the main sanctum resides the Shiva Linga, revered as Lord Manjunatha. This sanctum is accompanied by two smaller structures known as Mandapas, where devotees may engage in various rituals or ceremonies. One Mandapa is dedicated to Lord Rama, while the other honors Goddess Lakshmi.

Festivals of Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple

The temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year that attract millions of devotees from all over the world. Some of the major festivals includes Basava Jayanti celebrated on January 15th every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Basavanna, the founder of Dharmasthala Temple, Maha Shivaratri in February / March, Navratri in September/ October, Ganesh Chaturthi in September, and Laksha Deepostava in November.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions

The recommended dress code for the Dharmasthala Temple in Karnataka emphasizes modest attire in accordance with Hindu customs. Men are encouraged to wear shirt & trouser, dhoti or pyjamas. Men should remove shirts or vests when entering the darshan line. Women are advised to wear sarees, salwar kameez, or other traditional clothing that adequately covers their shoulders and legs.

Children below two years of age are barred from entering the sanctum sanctorum. While there is no formal prohibition against non-Hindus entering the Dharmasthala Temple, adherence to the dress code is expected.

Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple Timings

Monday: 6:30 AM - 11 AM, 12:15 PM - 2:30 PM & 5 PM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 6:30 AM - 11 AM, 12:15 PM - 2:30 PM & 5 PM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 6:30 AM - 11 AM, 12:15 PM - 2:30 PM & 5 PM - 8:30 PM
Thursday: 6:30 AM - 11 AM, 12:15 PM - 2:30 PM & 5 PM - 8:30 PM
Friday: 6:30 AM - 11 AM, 12:15 PM - 2:30 PM & 5 PM - 8:30 PM
Saturday: 6:30 AM - 11 AM, 12:15 PM - 2:30 PM & 5 PM - 8:30 PM
Sunday: 6:30 AM - 11 AM, 12:15 PM - 2:30 PM & 5 PM - 8:30 PM

Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special darshan available for Rs. 200

Best Time to Visit Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple

The best time to visit the Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple is dawn and dusk. It is advisable to avoid visiting on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays due to the high volume of visitors. Noteworthy occasions such as Maha Shivaratri and Laksha Deepotsava (Festival of Lights) enhance the spiritual atmosphere which attracts a large number of devotees. During Maha Shivaratri, a car festival is held, accompanied by all-night bhajans.

How to Reach Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple

Tourists can travel by KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) buses, private buses or by their own transport to reach Dharmasthala from all over the state. The closest railway station and airport to Dharmasthala is located in Mangalore, approximately 74 kilometers away. From Mangalore, travelers can hire taxis or cabs, or utilize bus services to arrive at Dharmasthala. The duration for Darshan typically ranges from 30 minutes to 1 hour, but it may extend to 2-3 hours during weekends and special events.