Dharmasthala, a temple town on the banks of the Nethravathi River in Karnataka, draws pilgrims from across the country to its Manjunatha Temple — notable for being managed by a Jain family while the deity worshipped is Hindu, a rare and peaceful blend of both faiths.
Getting there
The nearest major hub is Mangalore, roughly 75 km away, from where you can reach Dharmasthala by road. It’s also a common stop for those traveling between coastal Karnataka and the Western Ghats.
Highlights
-
- Manjunatha Temple — the main temple, known for its daily free meals (annadana) served to all visitors regardless of background
-
- Manjusha Museum — an eclectic private museum on the temple premises, worth a look for its sheer variety of exhibits
-
- Bahubali statue — a large Jain monolithic statue on a nearby hillock, reachable by a short trek
-
- Nethravathi River ghats — peaceful spots along the river, especially at dusk
Where to eat
The temple’s free community meal is a experience in itself — simple, vegetarian, and served to thousands daily.
Practical tips
-
- Dress modestly; it’s an active pilgrimage site
-
- Weekdays are less crowded than weekends and festival periods
