Dharmasthala

Dharmasthala  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 worship is the linga. The temple is unusual in that it is run by a Jain administration and poojas are conducted by Hindu priests of Madhva order. 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.
Dharmastala represents religious tolerance. A Jain Theerthankara is worshipped beside Daivas and Lord Manjunatha (Shiva). The priests are Vaishnavite Brahmins and the guardian of the temple a Heggade (Jain).
To those who come here for justice, the Heggade - an over 800 year old local lineage - dispense judgements that are said to represent the will of the deities.There are reportedly free hostelries that provide food and shelter

History

It has been told in Dharmasthala that the Shiva Linga in Dharmasthala was brought to Dharmasthala by a Daiva, a local deity with significant supernatural powers, named Annappa. Legend is that he used to work for the Heggade family. Once when the Heggade he was serving wanted to worship Lord Shiva, Annappa had assured him to get one linga and vanished from the sight. Surprisingly next day morning, by the time all woke up, he had already established the linga in Dharmasthala, a few metres away from Heggade's house.
Later it was known that the Linga was from Kadri near Mangalore, from the Kadri temple. By then, Annappa had vanished and he was never again sighted in the vicinity. Now people in Dharmasthala worship Annappa as Annappa Panjurli, a local god deva and a hero.
About Temple

Situated on the banks of river Nethravathi and surrounded by the lush green forests and hills of Malnad, Dharmasthala is known for it's beautiful surroundings and Sri Manjunathaswamy Temple. In Dharmasthala, charity is a way of life, extended to all without discrimination. Sri Dharmasthala which is one of the sacred places in South India and is a famous pilgrim centre. It is situated in the village of Dharmasthala, in Beltangady Taluk of South Kanara district about 75 kms from Mangalore. 
Originally this place was called Kuduma, it has rich history of over 800 years. The History of this place says that, one day about 800 years ago, angels in the form of human beings came to house of pious people, Barmana Heggade and his family. The couple received the visitors with joy and respect. Impressed with the hospitality and the treatment given by the family, the angels appeared in their dream and promised to stay at Kuduma. They also ordered Barmana Heggade to give donations and food for the needy everyday. As per the wish of the angels Barmana Heggade built temples for Kalarahu, Kalarkai, Kumarswamy and Kanyakumari and performed the rituals and ceremonies from time to time. 


As per the custom of Kshetra,

1. Men should remove shirt and Banian while entering the Sanctum Sanctorum.
2. Children below the age of 2 years are not allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum.
3. Bags are not allowed inside the Temple for security purpose

Other places around Dharmasthala:

1. Kukke Subrahmanya, is around 60 Kms from Dharmasthala
2. Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, Udupi.
3. Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple, Kateel, near Mangalore
4. Horanaadu Annapoorneshwari Temple, Chikamagalur District.
5. Mangalore