Dharmasthala (Tulu/Kannada:ಧರ್ಮಸ್ಥಳ) is a temple village on the banks of the Nethravathi River in the Belthangadi taluk of the Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka.[1]
The temple is devoted to Shiva and the principal object of worsh Dharmasthala (Tulu/Kannada:ಧರ್ಮಸ್ಥಳ) is a temple village on the banks of the Nethravathi River in the Belthangadi taluk of the Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka
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The temple is devoted to Shiva and the principal object of worship is the linga. Lakshadeepa- the festival of lights is the annual festival of Dharmasthala comes off in November-December.[2] On an average the flow of pilgrims is about 10,000 people a day. A mechanised kitchen provides free food for all pilgrims and there are guest houses with modern amenities. The word 'Dharma' traditionally means religion, ritual, duty, righteousness, alms. It also implies justice, truthfulness, and freedom from fear, faith, solace, fulfillment and peace. Dharmastala is the perfect embodiment of the word 'Dharma'. As elusive of description, yet possessing a wealth of meaning to all who come in faith. Dharmastala represents religious tolerance wherein the caste, creed and faith of pilgrims are no bars. Here, the Jain Theerthankara is worshipped on the same consecrated grounds as the native Daivas and Lord Manjunatha (Shiva). The priests are Vaishnavite Brahmins and the guardian of the temple a Heggade, a Jain by faith. Altogether forming a confluence of faiths that harmonise in belief of the Omnipotent. To those who come here for justice, Dharmastala is the scale that does not tip in favour of a lawyer's glib tongue. Here, without any legal formality or argument the Heggade dispenses justice, acting in the tradition of his ancestral role as the Heggade and representing the presiding deities. To those who come in need, Dharmastala is an Oasis. Where succor, solace and hope abound in the serenity of the temple and in the free hostelries that provide food and shelter. And to those that come in curiosity, Dharmastala is a miracle of paradoxes. Here deterrent faiths co-exist in harmony just as traditions make room for experimental services. High or low, rich or poor, devout or atheist - at Dharmastala all are equal. Assimilating all the apparent contradictions and keeping the essence of Dharmastala pure is the overwhelming responsibility of the Heggade. For over 800 years, the noble lineage has exercised its charity, catholicity and singularity of purpose to build up this centre for religious and communal harmony.
