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.