Shiva
Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple
Dharmasthala, Karnataka · Manjunatha (Shiva)
About Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple
Dharmasthala is unusual — managed by a Jain family (Heggade clan) but the presiding deity is Hindu Shiva (Manjunatha). Over 10,000 free meals daily — a decades-long tradition. The charity work of the Dharmasthala institution is renowned throughout India.
Darshan Information
🙏 Main Deity
Manjunatha (Shiva)
🙏 Secondary Deity
Ammanavaru (Devi), Kshetrapala
🏛️ Spiritual Category
Shiva
🕐 Darshan Timings
6:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
⏱ Typical Duration
1 hour
🪔 Special Puja
Laksha Deepotsava; Maha Shivaratri
🔔 Important Rituals
Free annadanam (meals to all visitors), Annabrashante ceremony, Laksha Deepotsava
👔 Dress Code
Dhoti for men mandatory (rental available); traditional for women
📅 Best Visit Time
October – March
🎫 Entry Fee
Free; annadanam (free meals) provided
Getting There
Nearest Railway Station
Subrahmanya Road (34 km)
Nearest Airport
Mangalore Airport (75 km)
Distance from City
75 km from Mangalore
Parking
Yes, excellent parking
Food & Stay
Ideal Base City
Dharmasthala or Mangalore
Food Options
Free annadanam for all visitors — over 10,000 meals daily
Visitor Tips
Free annadanam is the signature experience — do have the temple meal.
🎉 Festivals & Events
Laksha Deepotsava (lakh lamp lighting) is spectacular.
👴 Senior Citizen Notes
Excellent facilities. Free meals for all. Well-organised. Very senior-friendly.
⚠️ Important Notes
Uniquely managed by a Jain family though the deity is Shiva — symbol of religious harmony. Free meals for all visitors.
Nearby & Related Temples
Suryanar Koil
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⏱ 30–45 minutes
Thingalur Chandran Temple
Thingalur, Tamil Nadu
Chandra (Moon)
⏱ 30 minutes
Vaitheeswaran Koil
Vaitheeswaran Koil, Tamil Nadu
Vaitheeswaran (Shiva as Healer), Muthumariamman
⏱ 45 min – 1 hour
Thiruvenkadu Swetharanyeswarar Temple
Thiruvenkadu, Tamil Nadu
Swetharanyeswarar (Shiva), Brahma (Mercury)
⏱ 30–45 minutes
Quick Info
Darshan Timings
6:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Typical Duration
1 hour
Entry Fee
Free; annadanam (free meals) provided
State
Karnataka
Location
Dharmasthala
Ideal Base City
Dharmasthala or Mangalore
Senior Friendly
Yes
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