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Shri Khestra Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Temple, Karnataka, India
Shri Khestra Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Temple is a 800 year old and one of south India’s most renowned religious landmarks. It is situated on the banks of Nethravathi River in town of Dharmasthala in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Manjunatheshwara or Lokeshwara, this temple dates back to 16th Century.
Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Manjunath Temple is one of the famous pilgrimage centers in Karnataka. “Dharmasthala”, the abode of dharma, is the quintessence of humanity and faith. 
It is said that the Shiva Linga worshipped at this temple was procured from Kadri Temple in Mangalore. This place was known as Kuduma and later renamed to Dharmasthala in 16th century by Vadiraja Swami of Udapi. The priests are Shivali Brahmmins, who are Vaishnava. Lord Manjunatheshwara, is being worshiped by Vaishnava Priests is a very unusual. 
The shrines of four Dharma Daivas (Kalarahu, Kalarkaayi, Kanyakumari and Kumaraswamy) are built well before Manjunatha Temple in Dharmasthala. Lakshadeepotsava, festival of light celebrated in Kartheekamasa (Nov/Dec) is the main attraction of the temple.
Gateway of Dharmasthala is unique example of architecture.

Shri Bhagwan Bahubali Monolithic Statue

A breathtaking monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali is located on top of the Ratnagiri Hill near River Nethravathi in Dharmasthala. The sculptured statue stands at a massive height of 39-foot high with a 13-foot pedestal that weighs about 175 tonne and is carved out of a single rock.
Mahamastakabhishek (Grand Consecration) is the biggest festival celebrated here. Purified water and sandalwood paste is poured over the statue from a scaffolding for weeks. This is very popular and an important Jain Festival. Lakhs of devotees come to see this magnificent ceremony.
At beginning, consecrated water is sprinkled onto the participants by devotees carrying 1,008 specially prepared vessels. The statue is then bathed and anointed with libations such as milk, sugarcane juice & saffron paste, and sprinkled with powders of sandalwood, turmeric and vermilion. Offerings are made of petals, gold and silver coins & precious stones.
Salute from decorated elephant is a tradition of Dharmasthal Manjunath Temple during festival time.
Timings for Darshana and Seva:
6:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
12:15 p.m to 2:30 p.m
5-00 p.m. to 8-30 p.m.

Timings for Abhisheka & Archana:
8-30 a.m. to 10-30 a.m

Timings for Thulabhara Seva
8:00 a.m. and 01:00 Noon

Important points before you go to the Manjunath Temple:

  • Any cloth above waist for men is not allowed inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
  • Half pants and Nighties are not allowed inside.
  • Children below the age of 2 years are not allowed.
  • Don’t put coins or tie rings with tags anywhere in the temple to leave it as your souvenir to the god.
  • Bags, Eatables, smoking and spitting are not allowed inside the temple.
It is said that the Shiva Linga worshipped at this temple was procured from Kadri Temple in Mangalore. This is a Kadri Manjunath Temple.
View of Kadri Manunatha Temple in Mangaluru city, Karnataka, India. The temple of Manjunatheshwara on the hills of Kadri in Mangalore was built during the 11th century and converted to a complete stone structure during the 14th century. The idol of Lord Manjunathaswamy of the temple is called as oldest of the South Indian temples.
This is entrance of kadri Manjunath Swami Temple. Its architecture is in Vijaynagara style with traces of Buddhist influence. 
Water Tanks at Shri Dharmsthala Manjunath Temple
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