Sri Kshethra Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple- Karnataka

Address

Sri Kshethra Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple- Pesthangadi Taluk, Dakshina Kannada district, (Near Mangalore), Karnataka – 574 216. Phone: 082562 66666

Deity

Manjunatha Swamy Amman: Bhagavati Amman

Introduction

• Location: Situated in the temple town of Dharmasthala, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India.
• Historical Significance: This ancient religious institution is over 1000 years old.
• Deities Worshipped:
  • Lord Shiva as Mañjunatha.
  • Ammanavaru (Goddess).
  • Tirthankara Chandraprabha.
  • Protective gods of Jainism: Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumarasvami, and Kanyakumari.
• Unique Characteristics:
  • The temple is distinctive as it belongs to the Shaiva sect of Hinduism, yet is administered by a Jain Bunt family (Pergades) with priests from the Madhwa Brahmin community, who are Vaishnavas.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Context: Originally known as Kuduma in Mallarmadi, the village was home to the Jain Bunt chieftain Birmanna Pergade and his wife Ammu Ballalthi.
• Legend of the Dharma Daivas:
  • Guardian angels of Dharma visited Pergade’s home seeking a place for the propagation of Dharma.
  • The couple, known for their hospitality, hosted the Daivas respectfully.
  • The Daivas later instructed Pergade to vacate his home to dedicate it to their worship.
  • Pergade built a new house and began worshipping the Daivas, who later directed him to construct shrines for the four protective deities.
• Construction of the Temple:
  • Pergade invited Brahmin priests to conduct rituals and was guided by the Daivas to install a Shivalinga next to the Daivas.
  • The linga was procured from Kadri Manjunath Temple, leading to the establishment of the Manjunatha temple.

Beliefs

• Healing Powers:
  • The temple is a sanctuary for individuals possessed by evil spirits or suffering from mental disorders. They stay for a week and return cured and blessed.
  • People facing financial injustices, such as fraud or property disputes, seek refuge here and pray to Lord Manjunatha for resolution.

Special Features

• Sri Annappa Swami:
  • Regarded as a representative of all Justice Deities and oversees daily feeding in the temple.
• Sanctum Sanctorum:
  • Lord Manjunatha Swami is worshipped in a large Linga form, accompanied by procession deities.
• Additional Shrines:
  • Shrines for Sri Kumaraswami, Kaala Rahu, and Mother Kanyakumari.
  • Other deities include Lingoghbava and Maha Ganapathi.
• Annapoorna Choultry:
  • Approximately 10,000 people are fed daily, reflecting the temple’s commitment to hospitality.
• Conflict Resolution:
  • Mr. Hegde, representing Lord Manjunatha Swami, mediates disputes, facilitating compromises and judgments that both parties accept.
• Community Services:
  • Temple revenues support schools, colleges, hospitals, and an old age home.
  • Marriages are conducted without charge, with only voluntary contributions accepted.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Nearest Bus Station

Dharmasthala

Nearest Railway Station

Mangalore Station

Nearest Airport

Mangalore

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