Dharmasthala Temple is an 800-year-old religious institution in the temple town of Dharmasthala. The deities of the temple are Shiva, who is referred to as Mañjunatha, Ammavaru,the Tirthankara Chandraprabha and the protective gods of Jainism, Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumarasvami and Kanyakumari. The temple is considered unique since it belongs to the Shaiva sect of Hinduism. The priests are Shivalli Brahmins, who are Vaishnava, and the administration is run by a Jain Bunt family called the Pergades.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
800 years ago, Dharmasthala was known as Kuduma in Mallarmadi, then a village in Belthangady. Here lived the Jain Bunt chieftain Birmanna Pergade and his wife Ammu Ballalthi in a house called Nelliadi Beedu. According to the legend, the guardian angels of Dharma assumed human forms and arrived at Pergade’s abode in search of a place where Dharma was being practised and could be continued and propagated. As was their habit, the couple hosted these illustrious visitors with all their wherewithal and great respect. Pleased by their sincerity and generosity, that night the Dharma Daivas appeared in the dreams of Pergade.
They explained the purpose of their visit to him and instructed him to vacate his house for the worship of the Daivas and dedicate his life to the propagation of Dharma. Asking no questions, the Pergade built himself another house and began worshiping the Daivas at Nelliadi Beedu. This worship of daivas continues. The Dharma Daivas again appeared before Pergade to build separate shrines to consecrate the four Daivas ? Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumaraswamy and Kanyakumari. Also, Pergade was instructed to choose two persons of noble birth to act as the Daivas’ oracles and four worthy persons to assist Pergade in his duties as the executive head of the shrines.
In return, the Daivas promised Pergade protection for his family, an abundance of charity and renowned for the ‘Kshetra’. Pergade, as desired, built the shrines and invited Brahmin priests to perform the rituals. These priests requested Pergade to install a Shivalinga beside the native Daivas. The Daivas then sent their vassal Annappa Swamy to procure the lingam of Shiva from Kadri Manjunath Temple, near Mangalore. Subsequently, the Manjunatha temple was built around the linga
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
The nearest bus stop is Dharamsthala
By Rail
The Nearest railway station is Yedamangala.
By Air
The Nearest airport is Bajpe Airport.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Ganesha festival, Navaratri and Deepavali festivals are celebrated with grandeur at Dharmasthala. The annual festival or carnival called Pattanajae Jatra is held in April every year before the onset of monsoons. People flock from far and near during these times.
Laksha Deepothsava
Festival of lights and grand illumination celebrated for five days in the month of Kartika during this festival, there is cultural activities, Sarva-Dharma Sahithya Sammelana. There are special seminars are as follows: