Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple, Dharmasthala

Dharmasthala is the perfect embodiment of the word "Dharma" for it displays every shade of meaning with which this word is inspired from. The greatness of Dharmasthala, however is the fact that it has added an active element to "Dharma", which touches the lives of people with a transformational directness that is unique.

To those that come for worship, Dharmasthala represents religious tolerance wherein caste, creed and faith of pilgrims are no bars. For here, the Jain Theerthankara is worshipped on the same consecrated grounds as the native Daivas and Lord Manjunatha (Lord Shiva). The priests are Vaishnavite Brahmins and the guardian of the temple is Heggade, a Jain by faith. Altogether forming a confluence of faiths that harmonize in belief of the Omnipotent.

To those that come for justice, Dharmasthala is the scale that does not tip in favour of a lawyer's glib tongue. Here, without any legal formality or argument Shri Heggade dispenses justice, acting in the tradition of his ancestral role as the Heggade and as representative of the presiding deity.

To those that come in need, Dharmasthala is an Oasis, where succour, solace and hope abound in the serenity of the temple and in the free hostelries that provide food and shelter.