What to expect
Highlights
- The unique Shaiva–Jain–Vaishnava administration.
- Free meals (annadana) for every pilgrim.
- The Laksha Deepotsava festival of lamps.
Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple
The Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple, on the bank of the Netravati in Belthangady taluk, is one of the most visited temples in Karnataka and unusual in its make-up: a Shiva (Manjunatha) temple administered by a Jain Heggade family, with Vaishnava Brahmin priests — a living symbol of religious harmony.
Practical guide
Plan Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple
Typetemple
Nearest baseDharmasthala
Best timeOctober to February
Time needed1
EntryFree (free meals; donations welcome)
Nearest town/baseDharmasthala
DistrictDakshina Kannada
Place typetemple
Time needed1.5 to 2 hours (longer with a meal).
The Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple, on the bank of the Netravati in Belthangady taluk, is one of the most visited temples in Karnataka and unusual in its make-up: a Shiva (Manjunatha) temple administered by a Jain Heggade family, with Vaishnava Brahmin priests — a living symbol of religious harmony.
It is famous for free meals served to all pilgrims, mass weddings, and the Laksha Deepotsava festival of a hundred thousand lamps; the great Bahubali monolith stands on the hill above.
Visiting
Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple — at a glance
Timings~6:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 - 8:30 PM (confirm)
Best timeOctober to February; Laksha Deepotsava (Nov–Dec) crowded
Entry: Free (free meals; donations welcome)
Getting here
How to reach Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple
~75 km east of Mangaluru in Belthangady taluk; bus/taxi
A strict-dress-code temple — modest dress, footwear off; follow the queue and meal-hall rules.
Getting there
How to visit
- ~75 km east of Mangaluru in Belthangady taluk; frequent buses and taxis, and it is on the Mangaluru–Kukke circuit.
- A living temple with a dress code — modest dress required, footwear off; free meals are served at set times and pilgrim accommodation can be arranged by the temple.
Distance by road
- Udupi60 km
- Kasaragod50 km
- Madikeri (Coorg)135 km
- Mysuru250 km
- Bengaluru350 km
Road km to Dakshina Kannada; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Timing
Best time
October to February; the Laksha Deepotsava (usually Nov–Dec) is the great festival but hugely crowded.
Weather in Dharmasthala Manjunatha TempleSeasonal guide
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Visitor notes
- A strict-dress-code living temple — dress modestly, footwear off, and follow the queue and meal-hall rules.
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple is
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What’s near Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple
Good to know
Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple?
October to February; the Laksha Deepotsava (usually Nov–Dec) is the great festival but hugely crowded.
What are the entry fee and timings at Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple?
Entry: Free (free meals; donations welcome). Timings: ~6:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 - 8:30 PM (confirm). Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple?
~75 km east of Mangaluru in Belthangady taluk; frequent buses and taxis, and it is on the Mangaluru–Kukke circuit. A living temple with a dress code — modest dress required, footwear off; free meals are served at set times and pilgrim accommodation can be arranged by the temple.
How much time do I need for Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple?
1.5 to 2 hours (longer with a meal).
What else is near Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple?
Nearby you can pair Bahubali Statue, Dharmasthala (540 m), Kukke Subramanya Temple (41.8 km), Pilikula Nisarga Dhama (55.6 km), Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple (55.9 km).
Read next
More stories, legends & guides from Dakshina Kannada
Image credits
- Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple:A.Murali, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0