Manjunatha Temple: A Beacon of Faith and Charity
Opening Hours
6:30 AM - 8:30 PM (approximate, verify locally)
Best Time To Visit
October to March (Pleasant weather)
Aarti Timing
Morning Aarti : 6:30 AM (Approximate)Night Aarti : 8:30 PM (Approximate)
The Manjunatha Temple in Dharmasthala is dedicated to Lord Manjunatha (Shiva) and is renowned for its unique blend of religious harmony and social service. This temple, managed by a Jain family, welcomes devotees of all faiths and offers a profound spiritual experience rooted in compassion and selfless service.
Expectations for Pilgrims
Seeking **blessings from Lord Manjunatha** for prosperity and well-being.
Experiencing the **spirit of 'Anna Daana' (free food)** offered to all visitors, reflecting the temple's commitment to feeding the needy.
Sacred Prasadam: Divine Blessings from Lord Manjunatha
Prasadam at the Manjunatha Temple often includes items representing blessings from the deity and the sacredness of the temple. It is a token of divine grace that devotees can cherish.
Prasad / Prasadam :
Note : Prasadam is usually distributed freely to devotees after darshan (viewing of the deity). It can be collected near the exit of the temple.
What to Offer: Expressions of Devotion to Lord Manjunatha
Devotees can offer various items to Lord Manjunatha as a symbol of their devotion, gratitude, and prayers. These offerings demonstrate their faith and seek blessings for themselves and their families.
Devotee's Offerings
It is customary to offer these items with sincerity and devotion. You can seek guidance from temple staff or priests regarding specific offering procedures.
Essential Experiences: Key Activities at Dharmasthala Temple
Activities:
Darshan of Lord Manjunatha
Sacred Rituals & Pujas: Connecting with the Divine
The Manjunatha Temple hosts various pujas and rituals throughout the day, offering devotees opportunities to deepen their connection with the divine.
Attending Pujas:
Non Attending Pujas:
For specific pujas and offerings, it is advisable to contact the temple office in advance or upon arrival. Donations can be made at the donation counters within the temple premises.
Historical Roots & Profound Meaning: Dharmasthala's Legacy
The Manjunatha Temple in Dharmasthala has a rich history intertwined with legends, religious tolerance, and a commitment to social service.
Significance: A Paramount Spiritual Beacon
The Manjunatha Temple stands as a symbol of faith, charity, and religious harmony, attracting pilgrims from all walks of life.
Key Aspects:
- Sarva Dharma Sambhava The temple promotes the concept of 'Sarva Dharma Sambhava' (equality of all religions) and welcomes devotees of all faiths.
Opening Hours
Sunday : 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Monday : 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Tuesday : 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Wednesday : 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Thursday : 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Friday : 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Saturday : 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM
User Review
Total Reviews : 69885
- Star Rating :
Author Name : Gaurav Shanbhogue
Review Time : 4 weeks ago
Review : Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple – A Divine Experience
Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple, one of the most ancient and revered temples in Karnataka, holds a rich heritage of over 800 years. Located in the Dakshina Kannada district, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Manjunatha Swamy. It is beautifully constructed in the traditional South Indian architectural style and is renowned for its cleanliness, management, and spiritual ambiance.
The temple is systematically developed and maintained under the leadership of Shri Veerendra Heggade, the Dharmadhikari of the temple and a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. He has ensured that all amenities for devotees—be it accommodation, food, or darshan—are well organized. Notably, Prasadam (Annadana) is served daily to thousands of devotees, and this sacred service continued even during the COVID-19 pandemic, benefiting lakhs of people.
Darshan Timings:
Morning: 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
There are two queues for darshan:
Free Darshan
Paid Darshan (₹200 approx) – quicker and more convenient
Accommodation:
Online room booking is available through Dharmasthala website.
One of the best places to stay is Sahyadri, a clean and well-maintained temple apartment right next to Ayodya Hotel. Sahyadri provides:
Lift facility (elderly-friendly)
Online booking (24-hour stay policy due to high demand)
Peaceful and less crowded environment
Dining:
Ayodya Hotel is a great option for pure vegetarian meals—highly recommended.
Places to Visit Nearby:
Kukke Subramanya Temple
Ujire Surya Temple
Shree Rama Kshetra
Manjusha Car Museum (Note: Photography is prohibited inside)
Shri Bhagwan Bahubali Digambar Jain Statue
Special Events:
Laksha Deepotsava (Festival of Lights) – A grand celebration where the temple is lit beautifully, attracting thousands of devotees.
Personal Experience:
The temple visit was a spiritually fulfilling experience. Despite the large crowd—understandable due to the temple's popularity—everything was well-managed. Even during the pandemic, it was difficult to maintain, but all norms were followed to the extent possible. The serene atmosphere of the temple, along with its cultural richness, provides a deep sense of peace and inner joy.
This place is a must-visit for anyone religious at heart. Whether for the divine blessings, historic significance, or simply to experience spiritual bliss, Dharmasthala stands as a beacon of devotion and service. - Star Rating :
Author Name : Rudresh Chinagundi
Review Time : a month ago
Review : Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple is one of the most ancient temple in Karnataka (800 years old) and has a great history. The temple is situated in Dakshina Kannada District.
There are 2 queues for Darshana, One queue is free and the other one paid and the ticket may cost up to 200rs. The paid line will be a little quick and the other line will be as usual depending upon the crowd. The temple is built in the traditional South Indian style and very well maintained. The temple also serves Annadana ( Prasaada/ ಪ್ರಸಾದ ) to thousands of devotees daily, the food is very delicious and prepared with pure devotion.
The major event of the temple is Laksha Deepotsava (Festival of Lights), at this time the temple is beautifully illuminated.
The temple is managed by Shri Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of the Temple and also a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. The temple also has many branches such as Educational Institutions, Hospitals, Charities are much appreciated!
You can also visit the Nearby Places around the temple like Shree Rama Kshetra, Manjusha Car Museum and Shri Bhagwan Bahubali Digambar Jain Statue.
Best place to visit with family!! - Star Rating :
Author Name : Viji Patil
Review Time : 2 months ago
Review : It is one of the famous Shree Manjunatha, Shiva temple. Shri Virendra Hegade developed the temple systematically by giving all needs to the devotesles, staying and food. Prasadan was never stopped even at Covid time also for lakhs if devotees. Darshan time will be 6.30 am to 2.30 pm and 5 pm to 8.30 pm daily. Also don't miss to visit Kukke Subramanya, Ujire Surya temple and other places. Online rooms booking facility available at Dharmasyhala. Ayodya hotel is one of the good pure veg hotel to eat. Sahyadri is the best place, clean Temple room apartment to stay next to Ayodya hotel. It is having lift facility useful for elders, less crowded, you will get rooms by online booking but they will allow only 24 hours as lot of devotees were waiting and they have to accommodate all devotees. Thanks to the Temple Management for this clean, beautiful facility for staying. - Star Rating :
Author Name : suryanarayana ambe
Review Time : 2 weeks ago
Review : Very beautiful temple and had to wait in the ques. Well maintained and disciplined ques . Fortunate enough to have the beautiful darshan of the Lord. Food arranged in the annasala. - Star Rating :
Author Name : Manu Manu
Review Time : a month ago
Review : Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala is a must visit for all Hindus - specially devotees of Lord Shiva. There is a powerful vibe in the sanctum sanctorum that one has to experience.
there are thousands of devotees that visit this place every day. However, the crowd is multifold higher on Mondays, special occasions, weekends and holidays.
There are two kinds of 'queue' systems in place. One is 'free' Darshan queue and other is a paid 'Sannidhana Darshan' queue. Devotees have to pay INR 200/- per head to visit through the Sannidhana Darshan.
While good arrangements are in place like shelter from rain and sun and barricades for managing bigger numbers - this is still not enough and convenient especially for people who cannot walk and stand for longer duration.
There is no special consideration for elderly people and /or women with infants/ small children. This is very disheartening.
I am confident that the temple management can surely introduce a queue only for elderly people and women with infants and small children.
In my recent visit on a Sunday - it took us 3 hours to complete the Darshan. We had to walk and walk in the queue and wade through multiple 'U' turns within the enclosures. It did take a toll on us - especially on my mother who is a senior citizen. But since our intent was to receive the Lord's Darshan - we forced ourselves out of the complaints.
In my assumption, this was probably 2 kms of walk and stand. The only consolation was that there was constant pre-recorded announcement mentioning that due to larger crowd it might take 2-3 hrs for the darshan.