Dharmasthala is a temple town,
well known for its Manjunatha Swamy temple. This temple is dedicated to Shiva,
the supreme God of dissolution, and is situated in the Dakshina Kannada
district. This place of worship is unique, for, this is a Shiva temple, whose
prayers and rituals are conducted by the Madhwa Brahmins who are fundamentally
the worshippers of Vishnu. At the same time, it is administered and managed by
the Jains. Thus, it stands as a shining example of religious harmony.
Dharmasthala is the abode of
Dharma and is the essence of humanity and faith. Dharma stands in righteousness
and is the reflection of the world’s most divine emotions, regardless of caste,
creed, or religion. It is the abode of religion and charity without
discrimination.
Significance of the Temple
Here, the temple offers Anna Dhana, the food donation, Abhaya Dhana, helping the poor, Aushada Dhana, medicine donation, and Vidhya Dhana, teaching the needy.
Festivals
The festival of Shivarathri witnesses the car festival,
followed by night-long bhajans. Special poojas are performed in the worship of
Sri Manjunatha Swamy.
On Ganesha Chaturthi, Ganesha is worshipped and later immersed in the
temple tank.
Navarathri witnesses
the special pooja performed at the Sri Ammanavaru shrine and followed by nine
days of religious activities and festivities that include music, folk dances,
Harikathas, and bhajans.
The temple celebrates Deepawali, the festival of lights with
the traditional Ranga Pooja and the commencement of the car (chariot) festival.
The ceremonial idol of Sri Manjunatha Swamy is taken out in procession.
The annual festival of lights
called the Laksha Deepothsava remains
a grand celebration and is conducted for five days during the month of Kartika
in November-December. Events like Sarva Dharma and Sahitya Sammelanas are
conducted.
Pattanajae Jatre is a festivity observed during summer. The temple also celebrates Chaandramana Ugadi, the new year.