Are you looking to get away to Karnataka, India, for a spiritual and beautiful time? Do you want to learn about the history and culture of Jainism and Hinduism? If so, you should visit Dharmasthala Temple, one of the most well-known travel spots in the state.
Mangalore is a city on Karnataka’s coast, about 60 km from Dharmasthala Temple. It is on top of a hill bordered by streams and many trees. The temple complex’s exciting places are the Badinede Betta Hill, the Manjusha Museum, the Ram Mandir, and the Annappa Betta. People also know the temple for its fairs, events, and services that meet the wants and needs of tourists.
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History Of Dharmasthala Temple
Basavanna, a poet and saint from the Lingayat school of Hinduism who lived in the 1200s, built Dharmasthala Temple. Jainism moved him, and he wanted to teach others about it in his area. He built a temple to Lord Shiva on top of a hill near his ashram. He also built a convent for women and Jain monks.
Over time, different kings and governments were fixed up and added to the building. It became a place where both Jains and Hindus could learn and pray. It also drew many visitors from abroad and from different parts of India. From 2013 to 2014, the Pergades, a Jain Bunt family, ran the temple.
In 2014, a spiritual leader named Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba took over the temple. He claimed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He changed the temple’s name to Sri Manjunatha Temple, which refers to Lord Shiva’s wife, Lakshmi. He also made many changes and improvements to how the temple was run, managed, and served.
The Dharmasthala Temple is now one of Karnataka’s most famous pilgrimage sites. Millions of devout people visit yearly to ask Lord Shiva or Lord Manjunatha (Shiva) to bless them. The temple also holds many annual fairs and events that celebrate its unity and diversity.
Best Time To Visit Dharmasthala Temple
India’s Karnataka state has lovely, primarily mild weather all year long. However, some differences may be based on the time of year and where you live. For instance, the rainy season (June to September) can bring heavy rains and floods, making it hard to see and connect to other roads.
The winter season, from October to March, can bring cold winds and fog, making the top of the hill cold and gloomy. The hilltop might get hot and sticky in the summer (April to May) because of the high humidity and heat waves.
Festivals Of Dharmasthala Temple
Throughout the year, the temple holds many festivals that bring in millions of worshipers worldwide. A few of the most critical events are:
Basava Jayanti
This festival, held annually on January 15, honors the birth anniversary of Dharmasthala Temple’s founder, Basavanna. It features cultural shows, processions, traditions, and fireworks.
Shivaratri
Legendary Lord Shiva, the main god of Dharmasthala Temple, is honored at this event every year on February 14. At the Garbhagriha, special prayers, gifts, and traditions are held all night long as part of the event.
Navratri
This nine-day event, which features dance, music, theater, and art, is held every September or October to honor Goddess Durga, another vital goddess at Dharmasthala Temple.
Ganesh Chaturthi
This event is held every August or September to welcome Lord Ganesha, another vital god, at Dharmasthala Temple. During the ten-day holiday, statues of Ganesha are put up in different places and then thrown into bodies of water.
Rathasapthami
This event is held annually in April or May to honor Lord Rama’s birthday. He is another vital god at Dharmasthala Temple. Special prayers, gifts, and traditions are held all day long at the Sannidhi Mandapa as part of the holiday.
Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Temple Timings:
- Morning: 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM
- Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Every morning at 4 a.m., the doors of the Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple open to meet the spiritual needs and perfect the karma of every believer who comes with the hope of leaving the house of Dharma more enlightened than when they arrived. The temple has strict rules so that every follower can have an extraordinary meeting with Lord Sri Manjunatha Swamy while doing the necessary practices in the temple.
Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Poojas In Detail:
6:30 AM To 11:00 AM – Darshan
The sanctuary is opened to the faithful after the Idol and temple grounds are cleaned according to Vedic rules. You can visit the shrine whenever you want. For Mahapoojas, the main church doors will be shut.
Image Source: Dharmasthala Temple (official website)
8:30 AM To 10:30 AM – Shatharudra Abhisheka & Pooja
All the Vedic texts praise the Shatha Rudra Abhishekam puja as one of the best ways to eliminate all bad things and bring good things into your life. Doing this puja is important because Lord Rama honored Lord Shiva in Rudra before crossing the sea to ask for help. Darshana goes on with.
11:00 AM – Shiva Sahasranamavali
As you sing Shiva sahasranamavali, you praise and honor Lord Shiva in all his forms. Taking on the names of Lord Shiva’s different forms makes him believe in his power even more.
11:30 AM – Maha Naivedya Samarpana
Maha Naivedya is food given to Lord Manjunatha Swamy as part of prayer. No one tastes or eats it at the same time. Annadana starts to talk to the Lord after Maha Naivedya.
12:00 Noon – Maha Pooja
After the abhisheka, the figure is decorated with all-natural Vedic decorations, and people sing Vedic songs and play Vedic instruments together. This is called Mahapuja. The temple is turned around, so Darshana is impossible during this puja.
12:15 PM To 2:30 PM – Darshana
Darshana continues until the end of line Q, 2:30 pm, after the daily routines.
8:30 PM – Maha Pooja
The evening maha pooja is a highly complex pooja that involves covering the idol with all-natural Vedic decorations, singing Vedic chants, and playing Vedic instruments.
12:10 PM & 8:45 PM – Nithya Bali
Five rounds of Lord Sri Manjunatha Swamy Utsava Moorthy will be performed three times a day, which is why darshan is ending now.
How To Reach Dharmasthala Temple
By Air:
Bengaluru International Airport (IXE), about 55 km from Dharmasthala Temple, is the last airport before the temple. Every big city and town in India and worldwide is easy to get to from the airport. Going to Dharmasthala Temple from the airport is easy. You can take a car or a bus.
By Rail:
There is a train station about 74 km away from Dharmasthala Temple. It is called the Yedamangala Railway Station. India’s big cities and towns are easy to get to from the train station. Getting to Dharmasthala Temple from the train stop is accessible. You can take a car or a bus.
By Road:
You can also get to Dharmasthala Temple by road from other parts of India. In towns in Karnataka, such as Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, Coimbatore, and more, daily buses go to Dharmasthala Temple. You can also book private taxis or buses online or through approved dealers. If you have your car, you can also drive it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What Are The Darshan Timings In Dharmasthala?
Darshan is open from 6:30 AM to 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM People can enter the temple at 4:00 AM
What Is The Right Time To Visit Dharmasthala?
The weather is most excellent in the winter, from October to March, so that’s when you should go. The rainy season is from June to September, so stay away from that time of year.
What Is The Price Of A VIP Darshan Ticket In Dharmasthala?
Since the price of a VIP Darshan ticket has changed, you should check at the temple or on their official website to see the most up-to-date prices.
Which Temple Should You Visit First, Kukke Or Dharmasthala?
Most people suggest going to Kukke Subramanya Temple first, since it’s only 30 km away, and then to Dharmasthala.