About Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala
Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala is a temple town on the banks of the Netravati river in Belthangady taluk, Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. Its main shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Manjunatha. The temple also honours the goddess Ammanavaru, the Jain Tirthankara Chandraprabha and the guardian spirits (daivas) of the region. Dharmasthala is unusual: the priests who perform the worship are Madhva Vaishnava Brahmins, while the temple is administered by a Jain family whose head carries the title Dharmadhikari. Pilgrims of every background are welcome, and free meals are served to all visitors every day.
Local tradition says that around eight hundred years ago the guardians of dharma appeared to a Jain chieftain, Birmanna Pergade, and his wife, Ammu Ballalthi, at their home in this village and asked them to dedicate it to worship and charity. A linga of Manjunatha is said to have been brought here from the Kadri temple near Mangaluru. In the 16th century the shrine was re-consecrated by the Dvaita saint Vadiraja Tirtha at the request of the administrator of that time. The name Dharmasthala, the abode of dharma, reflects the temple's long role in charity and in settling disputes.
The temple is built in the sloping-roofed coastal style seen across Dakshina Kannada and Kerala, with courtyards and pillared corridors around the sanctum. On a hill nearby, Ratnagiri, stands a monolithic statue of Bahubali about 12 m (39 ft) tall, installed in 1982. The town also has a museum of religious and cultural objects and a collection of vintage cars.
Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala timings & aarti
Usually open from about 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja | Early morning, after opening (approx.) |
| Midday maha puja | Around noon (approx.) |
| Night puja | Around 8:00 PM (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala
By air
Mangaluru International Airport is about 70 km away.
By train
Mangaluru Junction is about 75 km away; Puttur station is about 45 km away.
By road
Frequent buses run from Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Udupi and other towns. Ujire, the nearest town, is about 8 km away.
Festivals at Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala
- LakshadeepotsavaNov/Dec
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- NavaratriSep/Oct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Men are required to remove shirts and vests before entering the main temple. Modest traditional clothing is expected for all; women should wear a saree or salwar kameez.
- Entry
- Free entry and free meals for all pilgrims.
- Men should be ready to remove shirts and vests at the temple entrance.
- Have a meal at the temple's dining hall, where food is served free to all.
- Darshan queues are long on weekends and festival days; arrive early.
- Take a dip at the Netravati bathing ghat before darshan, as many pilgrims do.
- Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside the main temple; use the cloakroom.
Places to visit near Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala
- Bahubali statue, RatnagiriMonolithic statue of Bahubali on a hill, about 1 km away
- Manjusha MuseumMuseum of religious, cultural and historic objects, about 1 km away
- Netravati bathing ghatRiverside ghat used by pilgrims, about 1 km away
- Kukke Subramanya TempleFamous temple of Lord Subrahmanya, about 55 km away
Frequently asked questions
Which deity is worshipped at Dharmasthala?
The main deity is Lord Shiva as Manjunatha. The temple also honours goddess Ammanavaru, the Tirthankara Chandraprabha and the guardian daivas.
What are the Dharmasthala Temple timings?
The temple is usually open from about 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Dharmasthala?
Yes. Men must remove shirts and vests before entering, and modest traditional clothing is expected for everyone.
Is food free at Dharmasthala?
Yes. The temple serves free meals to all pilgrims every day.
How to reach Dharmasthala from Mangaluru?
Dharmasthala is about 75 km from Mangaluru by road, roughly a two-hour drive, with frequent buses.
What is the aarti time at Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala?
Morning puja: Early morning, after opening (approx.); Midday maha puja: Around noon (approx.); Night puja: Around 8:00 PM (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
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