Dharmasthala

Dharmasthala, in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district, has a unique history built on dharma, charity and religious harmony. For several centuries it has been under the care of the Heggade family, Jain by faith, who serve as hereditary trustees of the main Sri Manjunatha (Shiva) Temple. Local tradition says that centuries ago, the guardian deities (Daivas) of the region appeared to the Jain chieftain Birmanna Heggade in a dream, instructing him to dedicate the place to the worship of Shiva and to uphold dharma through annadana (free food) and justice for all.

Following this command, the Heggades installed the linga of Lord Manjunatha, invited Vaishnava Brahmin priests to perform the rituals, and began the practice of feeding every visitor who came to the kshetra. Over time, Dharmasthala grew into a major pilgrimage centre, where a Jain family administers a Shaivite temple with Vaishnava priests—symbolising rare, practical interfaith cooperation.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, under prominent Heggades like Dr. Veerendra Heggade, Dharmasthala expanded its activities into education, rural development, healthcare, culture and mass marriages, while continuing large-scale free meals daily. Today, Dharmasthala’s history is remembered not only for its temple, but as a living example of service-oriented spirituality and multi-faith harmony.