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Location
: 104 kms from Mangalore, Karnataka
Significance : Outstanding Instance Of
Religious Tolerance
Major Attraction : Manjunatha Temple
.Situated 104 Kms
from Mangalore is Dharmasthala, the place of religious interest in the
interior of Dakshina Kannada. Dharmasthala is an outstanding example of
religious and cultural tolerance.
The temple of
lord Manjunatha here has Vaishnavite 'archakas' and is administered by
Heggade, a Jain Trustee. Charity is a way of life here and is extended
to all with no distinction of caste or creed.
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
Manjunatha Temple: The
Manjunatha Temple here attracts thousands of people all through the
year. Every person who comes here irrespective of caste or creed is
welcomed and given a free meal.
During 'Laksha Deepotsava', one lakh lamps are lit and literary and
religious discourses are held.
Bahubali: In
the recent past, the 39th monolith of Bahubali was installed at
Dharmasthala by the Heggade.
Karanje: 37
kms from Mangalore on the road to Dharmasthala is the holy place of
Karanje, well known for its medieval Shiva temple. Situated on a hill
1,500 ft high, it commands a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
EXCURSIONS
Venur: Venur 30kms from Dharmasthala, is famous for the
Gomateshwara statue built in 1605 AD by an Ajila Prince.
Moodabidri: Moodabidri,
23 kms from Venur described as Jaina Kashi, is known for the 18 bastis,
the most famous of them being 'Savira Kambada Basti' (Basti with
thousand pillars).
Built in 1430 AD,
this basti has beautiful monolith columns and priceless collection of
jewel-studded metal images of Jain Tirthankaras.
Jamalabad
Fort: About 6 kms north of Belthangadi, it was formerly called 'Narasimha
Hangadi'. The present fort was built on the ruins of an old fort by Tipu
Sultan in 1794 AD and he named it after his mother, Jamalbee.
HOW TO GET
THERE
Air: Nearest airport is at Mangalore.
Rail: Mangalore is the nearest rail head.
Road: Mangalore is 75 kms from Dharamsthala.
A well developed network of roads connects the place to all the
neighbouring areas.
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