Pilgrimage
Dharmasthala
A pilgrimage town on the Nethravathi river where a Shiva temple has been managed for centuries by a Jain family, alongside a towering Bahubali statue. Dharmasthala’s Manjunatha Temple is administered by the Jain Heggade family even though the deity worshipped is Shiva, an arrangement reflecting the town’s long Hindu-Jain coexistence, and the temple’s free communal meals run continuously for the thousands of daily visitors. A 39-foot monolithic Bahubali statue overlooks the town from a nearby hillock, and the pilgrim town of Subrahmanya lies within reach for those continuing on to the Kukke Subrahmanya trek.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Dharmasthala’s Manjunatha Temple is administered by the Jain Heggade family even though the deity worshipped is Shiva, an arrangement reflecting the town’s long Hindu-Jain coexistence, and the temple’s free communal meals run continuously for the thousands of daily visitors. A 39-foot monolithic Bahubali statue overlooks the town from a nearby hillock, and the pilgrim town of Subrahmanya lies within reach for those continuing on to the Kukke Subrahmanya trek. Dharmasthala sits at an elevation of 108 m and is typically explored in about 1 day. The most favourable months to visit are November, December, January, and August, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Netravathi River, Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple, and Chandranatha Basadi. Other notable highlights include manjunatha Temple's golden roof and silver-plated doors, 39-foot monolithic Bahubali statue on Ratnagiri hill, and free, simple meals at the temple's community dining hall. It falls within Karnataka, Dakshina Kannada district, and Karnataka, India.
Highlights
- Manjunatha Temple's golden roof and silver-plated doors
- 39-foot monolithic Bahubali statue on Ratnagiri hill
- Free, simple meals at the temple's community dining hall
- Netravathi river ghats for morning ritual bathing
- Museum of vintage cars and antique artefacts
- Manjusha Museum's ancient coins and sculptures
Places That Define Dharmasthala
Discover the iconic attractions that make this destination unforgettable
Getting There
Things To Do
Walk through the Chandranatha Basadi (Jain Temple)
Explore the serene 17th-century Jain temple dedicated to Lord Chandranatha, located just behind the main temple complex. Admire its simple granite architecture, polished black stone idol, and the peaceful atmosphere that reflects the town’s syncretic religious heritage.
45 minutes
Drive or walk to the nearby Shri Kukke Subrahmanya Temple viewpoint (optional)
Though the famous Kukke temple is 50 km away, you can take a short morning drive to the nearby hilltop of Padubidri or simply enjoy the scenic countryside around Dharmasthala, with its rolling hills and areca nut plantations. Alternatively, visit the small local pond and the old stone pillars near the temple entrance, perfect for a gentle stroll.
2 hours (if driving) or 30 minutes (local stroll)
Seek blessings at the Sri Manjunatha Temple
Visit the main shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, where the deity is worshipped by a hereditary Jain family (the Heggade) following both Hindu and Jain traditions. Observe the unique rituals, including the offering of holy water and the iconic golden mask (Mukha) placed on the idol.
1.5 hours
Visit the Netravati River and the Annapoorna (community kitchen)
Walk down to the banks of the Netravati River, where you can see devotees performing ritual baths and offering prayers. Then, join the free, round-the-clock Annapoorna meal service, which feeds thousands of visitors daily – a remarkable act of charity and community service.
1 hour (walk + meal)
Explore the Dharmasthala Museum (Manjusha Museum)
Browse a rich collection of antique artifacts, including traditional Karnataka folk art, wooden carvings, ancient coins, oil lamps, and tribal weapons, housed in a well-maintained museum within the temple complex. It offers a deep insight into the region’s cultural and artistic history.
1 hour
See the giant statue of Bahubali (Gommateshwara)
View the 39-foot-tall monolithic statue of Bahubali, erected in 1982 on a small hillock called Ratnagiri, a short walk from the temple. It is a replica of the famous Shravanabelagola statue and offers a good vantage point for a panoramic view of the temple town.
1 hour (including climb)
Top Attractions
Bahubali Statue (Gommateshwara)
A towering 39-foot monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali, located on a hillock near the temple complex, similar to the famous one at Shravanabelagola. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is a key Jain pilgrimage site.
Travel Tips
Book the Annadhana (free community meal) slot in advance
The temple serves a simple, nutritious South Indian lunch daily, but groups should register at the Annadhana office before 10 AM to secure a time slot. This avoids long waits and ensures your whole group can eat together in the designated hall.
Visit the temple early morning to avoid crowds and heat
Reach the Sri Manjunatha Temple between 6:30 and 8:00 AM, when the queue is shorter and the stone floors are cooler. This also gives you ample time to complete darshan and explore the complex at a relaxed pace before the midday rush.
Plan your return journey with a pre-booked taxi or bus pass
Public buses to Mangalore and Udupi fill up quickly by late afternoon, especially on weekends. For groups, hire a private vehicle for the day or book return tickets at the KSRTC counter right after arrival, so you don’t get stranded or have to stand for the ride back.
Use the free wheelchair and assistance services
The temple trust provides wheelchairs and volunteers to help elderly or mobility-challenged visitors navigate the steps and corridors. Ask at the main entrance or the information counter; a family member or group leader can accompany the person right up to the sanctum.
Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear and carry a small foldable stool
The temple premises involve a lot of walking on smooth granite, which gets slippery when wet. Slip-on shoes (easy to remove at the sanctum) and a lightweight foldable stool help senior travellers rest during long queues or while waiting for group members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, free vegetarian meals are served daily to all visitors between noon and 2:30 PM, and again in the evening, at the large dining hall. For senior citizens or those with mobility issues, there is a separate queue and seating area, and wheelchairs are available on request at the temple office.
Yes, modest clothing is expected—shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women. Footwear must be removed before entering the temple premises, and there are designated areas to leave your shoes; also, photography is generally not allowed inside the main shrine.
Besides the Chandranath Swamy Temple, visit the Manjunatha Temple, the 12-foot-tall statue of Bahubali (Gommateshwara), and the Museum of Folk Art (Car Museum) which houses vintage cars and artefacts. Plan for at least 3 to 4 hours to comfortably see the main shrine, have the free meal, and explore these sites; if you wish to visit the nearby Netravathi River for a boat ride, add another hour.
The nearest railway station is Mangalore Junction (about 75 km away), and the closest airport is Mangalore International Airport (around 80 km). From either, you can hire a pre-paid taxi or take a KSRTC bus; for senior travellers, private taxis are more comfortable, and the journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours on winding but well-maintained roads.
The ideal time is between October and February, when the weather is pleasant and dry, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Avoid the monsoon months (June to September) as heavy rains can disrupt travel and temple visits, and the summer months (April and May) can be quite hot and humid.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Dharmasthala
Day 1
Begin your day with a peaceful arrival into Dharmasthala and settle into the spiritual rhythm of the town. Spend the afternoon at the revered Manjunatha Temple, observing the unique blend of Jain and Shaiva traditions. End the day with a serene walk around the temple complex and the nearby riverfront.
- Visit the Manjunatha Temple during the afternoon aarti (offering of light) and seek blessings at the sanctum
- Explore the temple museum and the adjacent Annapoorna kitchen, where free meals are served to thousands daily
- Take a leisurely stroll along the Netravati River bank, watching the sunset and the evening lamps being lit
Day 2
Dedicate your second day to the lesser-known sacred spots and cultural landmarks around Dharmasthala. Visit the nearby Bahubali statue and the Chandranatha Basadi, then explore the local crafts and heritage. Return to the temple for the grand evening ritual before departing.
- Morning visit to the 39-foot monolithic Bahubali statue at the nearby hill, with a short climb offering panoramic views
- Explore the Chandranatha Basadi (Jain temple) and the Sri Manjunatha Swamy museum, which houses vintage cars and artefacts
- Attend the evening Mahapuja at the Manjunatha Temple, followed by a round of the temple's sacred lamp display
Plan Your Own Trip
Tell us what you're looking for and how many days you have — we'll instantly put together a personalised itinerary for Dharmasthala.
Tour Packages for Dharmasthala
Planning a trip to Dharmasthala?
Talk to our travel experts for a customised group tour package.