Dharmasthala Temple The Land of Charity, Dharma, & Devotion

The renowned Dharmasthala Temple, a pilgrimage destination that exquisitely honors generosity, dharma (righteousness), and devotion, is located in the holy town of Dharmasthala, which is tucked away in the verdant slopes of the Western Ghats in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district.

Dharmasthala Temple History & Legend

The temple is around 800 years old, originally established when the place was known as “Kuduma” in Mallarmadi.
It is said that a Jain chieftain, Birmanna Pergade, and his wife invited the guardian-spirits of Dharma (the “daivas”) to their home. The daivas instructed Pergade to vacate his house and dedicate it to worship. Shrines to the four daivas (Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumaraswamy and Kanyakumari) were built, and later a Shiva Lingam was installed beside these deities—thus paving the way for the Manjunatha Temple.
In the 16th century, the Dvaita saint Vadiraja Tirtha reconsecrated the linga at the request of the temple administrator, and the name “Dharmasthala” (meaning “abode of Dharma”) was bestowed.

Karnataka Halebidu Temple.

Architecture

• The temple’s architecture and customs combine Jain and Hindu elements. The square layout with a pyramidal roof and granite and laterite base are reminiscent of Kerala temple architecture, which makes extensive use of metal, stone, and wood.
• A gold-plated copper roof over wood shields the building from the monsoon of the Western Ghats, demonstrating the architecture’s simplicity and commitment.
• The temple’s management structure is distinctive: a Jain Bunt family (the Heggades/Pergades) oversees temple administration, while Madhwa Vaishnava Brahmins serve as priests. The temple’s message of unity is strengthened by its coexistence.

Nearby Attractions

• To enhance your experience, you should visit the following locations in and near Dharmasthala:
• The enormous 39-foot-tall monolithic monument of Bahubali, which reflects Jain influence, is located close to the temple hill.
• the verdant hills of the area and the tranquil Netravathi River surrounds.
  Other neighboring locations include the tank, smaller shrines, museums, and hills that provide peaceful nature hikes.