Dharmasthala

Dharmasthala is a small pilgrimage village located in the beautiful state of Karnataka. It is located on the banks of River Nethravati. It is well known for The Manjunatheshwara temple or the Dharmasthala Temple, which houses the Linga of Lord shiva. The temple is a beautiful example of religious tolerance and it is maintained by Jain people and the rituals being carried on by Hindu Priests.

The ancient archaeological evidence, like manuscripts, are stored in Manjusha Museum and are a treat to the eye of all the people coming to Dharmasthala to witness the beauty of the country. It is a beautiful place which testifies how beautifully woven India is with the plethora of castes and creeds present here. You can also visit the place for the seasonal religious festivals it beholds.

800 years ago, Dharmasthala was known as Kudum which was a village in South Kanara at that time. Here used to live a Jain Chieftain Birmanna Pergade and his wife Ammu Ballalthi in a house named Nelliadi Beedu who were known for their generosity and hospitality. The legend has it that the guardian angels of Dharma in came down to earth in human form in search of a place where Dharma is practised and can be propagated. Impressed by their warm welcome, they told Pergade about their and asked him to vacate the house.

Pergade and his wife moved sincerely to another home and began worshipping Daivas. After some time, Dharma Daivas again appeared before Pergade to build four shrines dedicated to the four Daivas - Kalarkai, Kalarahu, Kumaraswami and Kanyakumari. In return, he promised him an abundance of charity and family welfare. A Brahmin priest was invited to perform the rituals who request Pergade to install a Shiva Linga, subsequently around which the Shree Manjunath Swami temple is built.

There are a handful of multi-cuisine restaurants in the area. While here you may find local and authentic cuisine including Dosa, Bisi Bele Bath, Akki Roti, Jolada Roti, Idli, Vada, Sambhar, Kesari Bath, Ragi Mudde, Uppittu, Vangi Bath and traditional and local sweets like Mysore pak, Obbattu, Dharwad Peda, Chiroti etc .
View Top Restaurants in Dharmasthala

Day 1 Reach Dharmasthala by morning and freshen up in your hotel before starting with your first destination that is Manjunatheshwara Temple. After familiarising yourself with the architecture and history behind the grand structure, you can preferably go the nearby small shopping complex, where you'll get religious supplies and beautifully handcrafted materials.

Day 2 On your second day of the visit to Dharmasthala, you can go out to see the Manjusha and the Car museum in the city. You can also visit the 11-meter high statue of Bahubali which is one of the most visited places in the locality. The rest of the day can be used for making small visits to temples like the Ram temple, and the hill Badinede Betta. If you have time, you can also visit the Netravati River barrage.