Dharmasthala is perhaps the most highly revered and best known temple town in Karnataka.
Dharmasthala, as the name suggests is a place of Truth,Faith, Communal harmony and Cultural Tolerance. Located 65km east of Mangalore in the Dakshina Kannada district, Dharmasthala is thronged by Jain, Hindu, Christian and Muslim devotees who come here for the cure of their ailments. This holy place is the home of the Sri Manjunatheshwara Temple, where devotees of all castes and creeds visit. The temple is devoted to Shiva and houses a lingam of gold. The temple is unusual in that it is run by a Jain administration and poojas are conducted by Madhva priests. Everyone enjoys the generous hospitality without any distinction of caste, creed or class whatsoever. On an average the flow of pilgrims is about 10,000 people a day. A mechanised and clean kitchen provides free food for all pilgrims. There are guest houses with modern amenities.The temple is unique example of unity in diversity.
How to reach
Road: Mangalore is 75 kms from Dharamsthala. A well developed network of roads connects the place to all the neighbouring areas.
Rail: Mangalore is the nearest rail head.
Air: Nearest airport is at Mangalore.