Neklaje Sri kalikamba Temple, Karkala

Sri Kalikamba Temple in Neklaje is an important shrine of the historical Karkala town. The Kalikamba Temple, believed to be a construction of eleventh or twelfth century, was built by a renowned sculptor Arkasali Bhujangacharya. Situated at the west of the famous Gomatabetta (Sri Bahubali Hill), the Temple attracts a number of devotees thanks to its calm and quiet atmosphere.

The idol of Goddess Kalikamba, appearing in sitting posture, holds sword, Chakra, fruits and Abhaya Mudra in its four arms. The Temple reached its flourishing state of prosperity and popularity especially after Balmanja Krishnayya Purohitha took over the charge as the managing trustee of the Temple. He initiated many developmental projects and kept the Temple on the course of improvement. Brahmakalashothsava was performed in 1981 after the Temple was completely renovated.

The outer yard consists of Anjaneya and Datthathreya shrines along with the shrines of Raktheshwari, Kalkuda and Panjurli Bhoothas (Daivas or evil spirits). Annual festival takes place for three days during Mesha Pournami every year. Navarathri (Ashwija Masa) and Pushpa Pooja (Shravana Masa) are also celebrated. Ekaha Bhajana (singing bhajans for the duration of one full day) is held on Karthika Bahula Ekadashi, followed by Deepothsava on the next day. Special poojas are offered on every Friday accompanied by the Bhajans of the devotees. 

Mahathobhara Sri Siddhivinayaka Temple, Udyavara

Udyavara (Udayapura), about 3 km away from Udupi (Rajathapeetha) was a historical town ruled by Alupa Kings. The eighth century Sri Siddhivinayaka Temple here, which is facing towards east, has a square-shaped pond in front of the main entrance, covered by steps in all four sides. The flagstaff, Mukhamantapa (portico), Pradhana Balipeetha (chief sacrificial altar), Theerthamantapa and Chaturasra Garbhagudi (sanctum sanctorum) are the best visible evidences to prove that this Temple belongs to eighth century. Since it was renovated for a number of times it is not easy to identify this Temple as one of the oldest Temples of the district.

The idol of Lord Vinayaka, which has just two arms and simple carvings, is in sitting posture. Devotees offer a unique seva for the deity called ‘Doni Panchakajjaya’ on Margashira Shuddha Chowthi every year. Residents of Nidambur Magane (consisting on eight villages) offer Navadhanya Panchakajjaya Seva once in a year. The tradition of offering Apoopa (Appam) in Mithuna Masa is also continued without fail.

Annual festival is celebrated for 12 days starting from the first day of Kumbha Masa. Maha Rathothsava takes place on the eighth day, followed by Avabhrutha Snana (the bath at the conclusion of a religious sacrifice) on the next day, where devotees carry the Bali Murthy (idol used in festive procession) on the chariot to Kadekar pond for offering a holy bath to the idol. ‘Kola’ for Kalkuda and Varthe (Parivara Daivas) takes place on the last two days.

We can also find the vestiges of Sri Mahishamardini shrine. Now the idol is preserved at Govinda Pai Research Centre, Udupi. The Siddharasa Mahalingeshwara Temple is also under the threat of being collapsed. 

Sri Devi Annaporneshwari Kshetra Hosandu Kodyadka

P O Mithabail – 574 226
Via Moodabidri

Tel: 08258 – 799575, 799627
E-mail: kjhegde@sancharnet .in

People, Spell – bound by the beauty of the shrine, throng Hosandu Sri Annapoorneshwari Temple as they do Sringeri, Kollur, Udupi, Kateel Dharmastala and Subrahmanya. Kodyadka a tiny village near Puttige – Mittabail in Mangalore taluk, was renamed as “Hosanadu – Kodyadka” by Shri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Sri Pejawara Mutt. The Temple has calm and quiet environment covered by green, thick forest and rich paddy fields. Even the temple premise has a number of colourful plants of fruits, flowers and vegetables.

Plenty of buses plying between Kodyadka, moodabidri and Karkala.  Take a deviation at Alangsar on Karkala – Moodabidiri highway and travel about 5 Kms towards Belman, where you come across the Hosanadu Temple. If you are coming via Belman, take to east crossing Mundkar, Sacharipete and Kandandale. Hosanadu is about 17 Kms away from Belman.

Heggade family was ruling Kodyadka. Sri Jayarama Heggade, son of Sri Muthayya Heggade and Appi Heggadthi and Brother of Shivaram Hegade and Raghurama Heggade happened to visit Horandu Annapoorneshwari Temple near Kalasa and had an inspiration to construct a new temple at his home town having Annapoorneshwari as the presiding deity. His family was devoting Kateel Durgaparameshwari.

Sri Jayaraj Heggade, an engineer by profession, planned to make the temple a pride of South kanara District.

The Chief Priest of Kateel, Vedamurthy K Laksminarayana Arsanna answered all the queries regarding the construction through “Ashtamangala Prashna : Opinions of renowned astroleger Kunhikannan Poduval of Kerala and Ananth Arsanna, Kateel also supported their plans.

So, in 1992, Sri Vishwesha Teertha Swamiji of Pejavara Mutt, turned the first sod for the construction of the temple. Sthapathi Sri Dakshinamurthy designed the structure in Dhwajayu. Renowned astrologers Muniiyangala Krishna Bhat and Padubidri Devadas Sharma offered timely hrlp.

The Whole Shrine is constructed in black granite. The Teerthamantapa, the sanctorums, Navagraha Mandir and other Structures are unique in style.

Theertha Mantapa:

About 400 people can sit and watch the pooja of Goddess Annapoorneshwari from the spacious Theertha Mantapa. Devotees in any time can offer their poojas, sing Bhajanas or Chant Manthrams. The Mahapooja continues for half an hour.

The Sanctum Sanctorum houses a man sized ( 5ft high ) panchaloha idol of godess Annapoorneshwari. The 550 kg idol has been sculptured by Lohashilpi Honnappa Achar of Okulipur, Bangalore. He infused the metal in a single attempt and only a small troupe of Bhramins insalled the massive idol, effortlessly

The goddess Annapoorneshwari is blessing the devotes with her four arms, holding Shankha (Conch) Chakra, Annapathre (Vessel contaning food – Vardha Hastha) and spoon(in Abhaya Hastha)

The naga lingeshwara idol has three hoods. Naga Thambila and Ashlesha Bali are the two special worship offered to Naga Lingeshwara

The Sri Anjaneya Swami idol, covered with Silver, is being worshipped with pavamana kalashabisheka, vadamala pooja, Ranga Pooja and others. The idols of Sri Shankaracharya and Sri Madhwacharya also make some special appeal to visitors.

Navagraha mandir houses nine idols of Navagraha Devatas, The Theertha Mantapa is covered by nine idols of navadurga, each about four feet in height. The massive “ Tulasi Peetha” also has good Sculptures

Every devotee, before entering the temple, should wash his hands, feet and face. The Temple has no flag post except a growing Coconut tree. The Surrondings are enriched with huge trees, but nobody dares to cut them or even thie branches. The lovely Brindavan is Accopmanied by a fountain. Devotees thronging here pray for the want of marriage and Children

The spacious “Annapoorna” Dining hall can offer food for 900 people at a time. The “ Annaprasda” here is the most sacred of all other prasadams.

The Kala Mandir, temple car (Ratha) are worth watching

A Zoo contaning Peacocks, colourful cocks, doves, monkeys deer, horses ( Arathi and Bharathi) and a elephanth ( lakshmi) attracts people of all ages. The Pond “Anekere” is also renovated, the square sized pond was known for elephants taking bath at regular basis.

The Pooja is offered thrice a day, accompanied by drums, music and beatings. Special pooja is ooferd on every Tuesday, Friday and all days of Navarathri. A day long Deepothsava takes place in Karthika Month Navami, Hanuma Jayanthi, nagara Panchami and Shravana are observed with traditional pomp and gity. People offer rice, vegetables, fruits, flowers and coconuts to the godess and seek blessings

Rathotsava is held on the first day of May and day after the Kere Deepothasava . The five – day annual festival includes Hoovina Pooje, Panjurli Daivada Baliseva, Pete Savari, Katte Pooje, Tulabhara Seve and finally, the Samprokshane.

Naga Mandalotsava:

Altogether three Naga Mandalotsava were performed in 1983, 1996 and 2002 respectively. The third one is considered as “ Ashtha Pavithra” Naga mandalothsava’ Which is the most Sacred one.

Moodappa Seva:

In the west side of the main shrine, we find as idol of Prassana Ganapathi, which has been offered by a silver cover. During the annual festival, Moodappa seve is offered to him. The Moodappa seve, accompanied by Ashtadravya Ganayaga and Atharva Sheersha Ganayaga, is also called as Poornappopa seve. Rice ghee, Coconut and Jagarry are used in preparing Apoopa. Bhattha Muhurtha, Akhi Muhurtha and hittu Muhurtha are the three stages is preparing Appa.

A fence is constructed around the idol using sugarcane . After the prasana pooja, the idol is covered with a cloth, leaving the face open. Then the space inside the fence is filled with Apoopa, Ashatdravya, Ladduka dishes till the neck. Then it is decorated with flowers and fruits. The Uthsava will continue throughout the night and conclude with the rituals such as Kavatodghatana, Apoopa Visarjane and Kalashabisheka on the next morning Finally, Apoopa Prasadam is distributed among the devotes

Any ritual in this temple takes only after obtaining prasadam from Puttige Sri Somanateshwara Temple.

The Kodeyadka Temple also has some intricate carvings of Sri Annapoorna Sthotram, Ganapathi Sthotram, Sri Anjaneya Sthotram and others

The Path of Progress

After years of construction, the Brahma Kalshotsava was performed in 1996,. The Annapoorna dining hall and the temple shrine ( Gopura) were also ingurated The “Vaishvar” dining hall and the new car were dedicated in 1998. The next year, an idol of Sri Shankarachaya and Sri Sharadhambha cultural hall ( Kala Mandira) were unveiled. The Main entrance ( Sri Devi Annapoorneshwari Kshetra – Hosanadu Kodyaka -  Mahadwara) was declared open in 2000. A silver palanguin was offerd to the godess in 200 along with the eastablishment of Tulasi Peetha “ Sri Krishna” guest house started its service in 2001 and in 2002, the idol of sri Madhwacharya was installed.

Have you ever visited such a beautiful temple?

Karinja Temple

Karinja, famous as karinjagiri, covered by green and cool forest and hills, has been an ideal picnic spot along with its religious importance. Situated at Kavalamudur Village in Bantwal Taluk in Dakshina Kannada district, Karinja has been the centre of attraction for the people of all religions. One has to get down at Vagga, 10 Km away from Bantwal towards Dharmasthala. The stop is also identified as Karinja Cross, where a beautiful entrance welcomes you to one of the calm and nice places of the coastal district. The road leading you to Karinja through Kodyamale Forest is also enough to keep you spellbound. It is surprising that we wont experience any fatigue even when climbing the hill, which is 1200feet high above the sea level.

The gajaradigiri, an 800feet high hill on Karinjagiri, has been considered as an ideal spot for photography. The green fields and flora at the base of the hill attracts every visitor with its beauty.

A big pond in “Gada” (Mace) shape – Gada Theertha at the bottom of the Karinja hill is 237 meter long, 55 m wide and 7m deep size looks like a mirror with crystal clear water.

On the hilltop there is a Parvathi Temple pertaining to tenth century. People arriving on a picnic can put a campfire outside the temple and spend a night there happily

Ukkadada Bagilu

When you climb about 142 steps above the Parvathi Temple you find a massive doorframe made up of a stone. It has a 0.3 cm cut mark on it, which is said to be created by the hitting of an arrow, when Arjuna tried to kill a wicked pig

When you climb another 118 steps passing through Ukkadada (Ukkada means the limitor border of a town and a turn pike or a toll gate) Bagilu, you reach Sri Karinjeshwara Temple. The “Shilamaya” Temple in such a high place has been regarded as the “Bhookailasa”. Auspicious days like Shivarathri are celebrated with great festivity and a number of devotees throng the temple to attain the Darshana of Lord Shiva.

The Shrines of Goddess Parvathi and Lord Shiva has been renovated in 2001. The Steps helping the devotees to reach the twin temple easily, have also been repaired retaining the originality.

A group of Monkeys (Karinja Dadda) has been the centre of attraction to devotes visiting the temples. As the bell rings, soon after the Maha Pooja, monkeys gather near a granite platform, where they are offered Mooru Saru Akki Naivedya (about 3 Kgs of Cooked Rice). They also accept coconut, banana or whatever offered by the devotees.

Sri Sahasralingeshwara Temple, Uppinangady

Uppinangady is a small temple town in coastal Karnataka whose beauty is doubled by the sacred sangama of two prominent rivers of Dakshina Kannada – Netravathi and Kumaradhara. This town is regarded as the Dakshina Kashi or Gayapada Kshetra as people perform the last rites as Hindus do in Kashi, Rameshwara and Gokarna. More over, it is the only second sangama Kshetra in Karnataka, next to Koodala Sangama in Shimoga. Situated adjacent to NH 17 about 60 Kms from Mangalore, Uppinangady (meaning the salt shop) has gained religious, cultural and commercial importance.

The Sahasralingeshwara Temple here is known all over the south and we find thousand of lingas all over the banks of these two rivers. Every stone here is treated as Shivalinga. As a result, Swami Vadiraja Crawled on his knees and worshiped Lord Shiva to avoid stamping on linjgas

To quote a story from Skanda Puran, Bheemasena, the strongest of the Pandavas who was on the duty of Rajasooya Yaga, was attacked by Purusha Mruga, a giant animal. To escape from the clutches of Purusha Murga, Bheema droped a hair on the ground, which soon turned into a linga. Being the adorer of lord Shiva, Purusha Murga took a hault to worship shiva, allowing Bheema to escape. Whenever Purusha Mruga was about to catch him, Bheema dropped a hair, forcing the gaint to take a pause and offer worship. Finally Bheema dropped a handful of hair which soon took the form of thousands of Linga.Purusha Mruga took more time to worship every linga which helped Bheema to escape. This place was none other than Uppinangady.

The book Shree Gayapada Kshetra Mahathmyavu, edited by Purohitha Palthila Anantha Bhat (1910) hints at the existence of thousands of lingas in the river

Probably the Sahasralingeshwara temple is 2500 years old and the present structure probably belongs to 13^th century. The original linga is hidden in sand on the bank of river Netravathi to the left of the temple. During annual festival, the sand is removed and a temporary structure is constructed of Lord Sahasralingeshwara. It is very difficult to remove the entire sand covering the lingas every year as it gets filled during rainy seasons

It is beived that the river Netravathi took its birth from the tears of Varaha, the third avatara of Lord Vishnu. The river Kumaradhara is originated at Kumaraparvatha and reaches Uppinagady crossing Subramanya. Kumaradhara joins Netravathi at Uppinagady, affecting the sacred sangama. During heavy down pour in rainy season, these two rivers get united in front of Lord Sahasralingeshwara. It is an auspicious occasion for people to take holy bath (Sangama Snana) and worship Lord Shiva, which assures eternal purity and Moksha after death. A Number of devotes throng this temple on holy occasion like Mokhe Jathre and take holy bath

Goddess Mahakali

The people of coastal Karnataka also worship Kali, the mother goddess of Bengalis. The Mahakali has a separate shrine here on the banks of river Nethravathi holding the trisen, trishula, khadga, damaruga and a bowl of beverage in her hands.

The goddess Adhishakthi took the form of Mahakali to destroy the wicked spirits of demon Rakthabeejasura. We can find the Co-existance of Shiva Parvathi and Kali Rudra in most of the temples. Lord Kala Bhairava also finds a place here Kumkumarchane and Boolya (Ranga pooja) are favourite forms of worship for Mahakali. People worship Kali when attacked by epidemic diseases.

The Second type of worship called Mecchi Nema is also offered to goddess every year. A ‘Pathri’ plays a major role during this festival, which takes place on second Makhe Jathre

A New shrine was constructed in 1934 and renowned sculptor Ranjala Gopal Shenoy carved the idol in 1953 without accepting any remuneration.

Makhe Jathre

Makhe Jathre is held thrice in one year on a full moon day (Pournami) of Magha month, Krishnapaksha Ashtami of Maghamasa and on Shivarathri. If Shivarathri occurs early, the festival continues to 22 days till Ashtami. If it is commenced from full moon day, the festival lasts for 15 days. Madimmaya – Madimmal (Bride – Bridegroom) or Kanyapu dance is an integral part of the festival. The Kalkuda Shrine is also said to be ancestral. 

Anegudde Vinayaka Temple

Kumbhashi, about nine kms to the south of Kundapur, is famous for its two Temples, namely, Mahalingeshwara and Anegudde Vinayaka. The name of the place is said to be derived from Kumbhasura who was slain here. Inscriptions mention this place as Kumbha-Kashi. It is one of the seven places of pilgrimage in the region called "Parashurama Srishti" or the creation of Saint Parashurama.

The Anegudde Vinayaka Temple situated on the hill attracts a large number of pilgrims. Important new activities in the area are started after a worship of this deity. The Temple of Mahalingeshwara is surrounded by a lake and poja is offered to a shallow pit in which "water from the Bhagirathi (Ganga)" is said to collect. The right side of the lake is called Surya-Pushkarini and the left-side the Chandra-Pushkarini. There are also shrines of Suryanarayana, Channakeshava and Lakshminarayana on the banks of the tank and a branch of the Sode Mutt.

Anegudde means elephant (Aane) hillock (Gudde) and it is the abode of the elephant god, Sri Vinayaka. Sri Vadiraja Yathi, in his Theertha Prabandha epic said that when drought hit this area sage Agasthya came here to perform yajna to please the rain god. The demon Kumbhasura tried to disrupt the yajna by troubling the sages performing the yajna. To rescue the sages Lord Ganesha blessed Bheema, the strongest among the Padavas, with a sword (Asi), using which Bheema killed the demon and facilitated the completion of the yajna.

The main sanctum sanctorum contains the majestic figure of Vinayaka resplendent in silver Armour, in standing posture. Of the four arms two are "varada hasta" indicating his inclination to grant boons. Two hands point to his feet, as a means to salvation. The Vinayaka here is said to be a swayambhu (emerged by himself) who manifested in Dwapara Yuga. What is striking is the very large head of the God with huge ears.

Tulabharam, a custom of offering to God valuables in weight equivalent of a person is frequently done in this Temple by devotees. Auspicious ceremonies like wedding, naming ceremony etc are also held here.

All around the shrine there are sculptural depictions from the Bhargava Purana. People from far off places come here to take blessings from Lord Vinayaka. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great splendor. Lunch is served to devotees as Prasadam. The Prasadam here, as in most Temples in coastal districts, is the Panchyagajjya, which is a mixture of dal, sugar, copra, milk and honey. Devotees arriving from distant places are offered food and shelter.

The sacred spot was called as Harihara Kshethra during Krutha Yuga, Madhukanana in Thretha Yuga and Gowthama in Dwapara Yuga. In Kali Yuga, it is famous as Kumbhashi, which is situated adjacent to NH 17 on way to Kundapur from Udupi and between Kota and Koteshwar. It was also called as Nagachala.

The Temple management is hereditary-oriented and presently K Lakshminarayana Upadhyaya and K Vishwambhara Upadhyaya are managing trustees and K Sooryanarayana Upadhyaya holds the position of the Dharmadarshi. The ancient Temple was renovated in 1985 and a new compound wall, main entrance, tower (Mahagopura), Yajna Mantap, dining hall, guest house, dormitory, water supply and others. In the year 2000, a massive dining hall was completed at a cost of Rs one crore, which also facilitates holding ceremonies. During the last 15 years (1985-2000), various developmental projects amounting to Rs 2.25 crores have been completed and the management also constructed a Temple office and Naivedya Pakashala at an expense of Rs 60 lakhs.

Pooja:

Pooja is performed thrice a day, namely, at 5 am, 1 pm and 8.30 pm. The Temple is open for devotees from 6 am to 9 am. A number of devotees throng this Temple on Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday and on special occasions such as Sankramana, Sankashtahara Chaturthi and Ganesha Chowthi. The annual festival and Rathothsava is being held on Margashira Chaturthi every year. At least ten Saharsra Nalikera Ganayaga takes place here annually.

Other poojas offered to Lord Ganapathi include Sathya Ganapathi Vratha during a marriage or when their wishes are duly met with. Fruits, coconut, sugarcane, Modakam, Apoopa and Kadubu are offered to Lord Ganapathi as Naivedyam (offerings).

The Moolabimba is massive in size and exhibited in the form of an elephant. Only the trunk portion is clearly visible and the darshana of this deity is symbolic. It is not a sculpture and is not touched by a chisel or any other instrument to depict the shape.

As myths run, a devotee (Vishweshwara Upadhyaya) was living here, regularly worshipping Lord Ganesha. On day, a Brahmin Vatu (young boy) appeared in his dream and said that he was hungry. Taking Upadhyaya with him, the Vatu disappeared near a stone in Nagachala. Getting surprised by this unusual dream, he started off on the next morning in search of the spot, where the Brahmin boy disappeared in his dream. It was his usual path, which led to a pond, where he used to take his bath, bring sacred water for Abhishekam and collect flowers for worshipping Lord Ganesha.

Soon he found the same granite stone, which he witnessed in his dream and was covered by wild flowers giving it a divine appearance. Impressed by this sight, Upadhyaya hurriedly took his bath in the nearby pond and worshipped the deity and offered wild flowers and fruits. He continued to do so for a long time. One day, he saw a cow standing there pouring in milk from her udder on the deity. After this incidence, his devotion became stagnant and worshiped his God with more devotion. People generously donated land on which a straw hut was constructed to enable Upadhyaya to continue his worship. Thus started a new tradition of worship at Kumbhashi, which did not stop at any stage.

Sri Anantha Padmanabha Temple, Hebri

Hebri in Karkala taluk is a prominent business centre of Udupi district. Situated just beneath the picturesque Agumbe Ghats, Hebri, enriched by the flow of river Seethanadi, has a number of agro-based industries such as cashew processing, rice mills, oil mills, cattle feed manufacturing and others. It also has a calm atmosphere, surrounded by green paddy fields, arecanut, coconut and cashew plantations and thick, green forests.

The name ‘Hebri’ has been arrived from a word- Hebberi. The village had an enormous ‘Bheri’ (Drum), an instrument producing huge noise, which was used to caution people during calamities. This Bheri (Hebberi) brought a beautiful name for a colourful town.

Lord Anantha Padmanabha is the presiding deity of the Temple, situated on the main road. The Temple premise also accommodates the shrines of Kshethrapala, Khadga Ravana and Dhoomavathi. The idol, a beautiful black granite sculpture in standing posture, is three feet in height. Famous historian late Dr Gururaj Bhat, who had studied the sculpture of the deity, was of the opinion that the deity should have to be recognised as Lord Srinivasa. But available lithographs, which also point at the generous donations of some kings to this Temple, have mentioned the deity as Sri Anantha Devaru or Sri Anantha Padmanabha. Three different idols were installed simultaneously in three Temples at Hebri, Perdur and Iruvathur.

A Brahmin family was brought here in the 18th century for worshipping Lord Anantha Padmanabha. Beedina Ballala family of Hebri is looking after the management of the Temple on hereditary basis.

It is said that in the beginning of the 20^th century, almost half of the Hebri Town was reduced to ashes in a fire accident. The Temple Car (Ratha) also became a victim of the fire. Later devotees offered a new Car for their Lord. Annual festival- Gounothsava- is held for five days starting from Kumbha Sankramana. 

Dharmasthala sri manjunatheshwara temple

Dharmasthala is perhaps the most highly revered and best known Temple town in Karnataka. Located amidst the picturesque Western Ghats on the banks of the Netravati River, it is about 100 kms. from Udupi. Devotees of all caste and creed visit this holy place well known for charity. Everyone enjoys generous hospitality without any distinction whatsoever. On an average the flow of pilgrims is about 10,000 people everyday. A mechanised and clean kitchen provides free food for all pilgrims can feel comfortable at the guest houses, which have all modern amenities.

Dharmasthala symbolizes the true essence of religion and stands out as an oasis of peace and harmony. Here, one can witness a happy confluence of three faiths co-existing in complete harmony. While the presiding deity is Lord Shiva, the priests who conduct the daily rituals are Vaishnavaite Brahmins and the Dharmadhikari of the Temple is a devout Jain. Thus religious tolerance and a spirit of oneness, which are the prominent characteristics of the Indian cultural heritage, has become the hallmark of Dharmasthala.

This place was originally called "Kuduma" but in the l6th century it was named as Dharmasthala - the abode of dharma and charity. The lineage of the Dharmadhikari can be traced back Over 600 years. According to the legend, a Jain Heggade known for his piety and hospitality, was chosen by the Dharmadevatas-the guardian angels of dharma, for the propagation of dharma; being Shivaganas, they installed a Shivalinga from the Kadri Temple in Mangalore, so that dharma could be established in the name of the Lord. Subsequently, the Manjunatha Temple was built around the Shivalinga. They also ordained the Heggade to carry out certain traditional charities.

The roots of religious tolerance and charity have been nurtured and strengthened by the Heggade family over hundreds of years. They were also patrons of art, literature and culture, and devoted their whole lives for the development of the Kshetra. The Heggade occupies one of the oldest seats of religious power in Karnataka and has a following all over the State, from members of all faiths. The influence that the Dharmasthala Temple wields over the masses in Karnataka and adjoining areas is immense. People come to the Heggade for settlement of disputes over land and family quarrels. These disputes are resolved by the word of the Heggade. The disputing parties of different communities, who come to him, generally abide by his decision.

The present head of Dharmasthala, Padmashri Dr. Veerendra Heggade, the 21st in succession to the Dharmadhikari Peetha, has lived upto the great tradition. He has carried his ancestral heritage to a greater height, not only by continuing to uphold the sacred tradition, but also by achieving remarkable progress in his service to mankind. For over 25 years, Sri Veerendra Heggade has endeared himself by dedicating himself to the service of God and man in religious, cultural and educational fields. He has launched several socio-economic programmes, which have directly benefited the poor. More than 25 institutions from primary schools to professional colleges are run. Old and decrepit Temples are renovated, taking care to preserve the traditional architecture. Ancient manuscripts and paintings have been painstakingly restored and preserved for posterity. A museum of beautiful antique objects, which is both educative and fascinating, has been established. A car museum houses a rare collection of vintage cars. Every year, a Sarva Dharma Sammelan held at Dharmasthala, attracts spiritual leaders of various faiths, schools and patrons of art and literature from far and wide.

As a social reformer, Sri Veerendra Heggade has rendered yeoman service to the society. He has also done commendable work through the integrated rural development projects in Dakshina Kannada and around. In 1982 he got the Bahubali statue installed on a hillock at Dharmasthala. The towering monolithic statue (39 feet high) weighs over 210 tones and is the third biggest in the country.

Padmashri Dr. Veerendra Heggade

Dharmasthala Sri Manjunatha Temple

Dharmasthala - 574 216, Karnataka, INDIA

Tel: 91 8256 77141 Enquiry: 91 8256 77123

S.D.M. College of Ayurveda, Kuthpady

S.D.M. Hospital, Kuthpady

Institutions Managed by Sri Dharmastala Manjunatheshwara Educational Society