How to Reach

From Delhi

• By Air (Fastest): Fly from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Mangalore International Airport (IXE). From Mangalore, Dharmasthala is about 75 km away. You can take a KSRTC bus or a private taxi (approx. 2-hour drive).
• By Train: Take a train from New Delhi to Mangalore Central (MAQ) or Mangalore Junction (MAJN) (e.g., Mangala Lakshadweep Express). From Mangalore station, proceed by road as mentioned above.

From Ahmedabad

• By Air: Take a flight from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) to Mangalore (IXE) (usually with a layover in Mumbai or Bangalore). Then take a taxi or bus to Dharmasthala.
• By Train: Take a train from Ahmedabad Junction (ADI) to Mangalore. The trip takes about 24–30 hours. From Mangalore, it is a 75 km road journey.
• By Road: A long-distance drive (approx. 1,400 km) via NH 48, though flying or taking a train is highly recommended.

History of the Temple

The Legend: The Jain chieftain Birmanna Pergade and his wife Ammu Ballalthi were known for their hospitality. According to legend, the Dharma Daivas (guardian spirits of Dharma) appeared in their dreams and asked them to dedicate their home to the propagation of Dharma.

Consecration: Following the spirits’ guidance, Pergade built shrines for the four Daivas. Later, the Shiva Linga was brought from the Kadri Manjunatha Temple in Mangalore by Annappa Swamy (a devotee of the Daivas) and installed.

Religious Unity: In the 16th century, the Madhwa saint Vadiraja Tirtha reconsecrated the idol and named the place “Dharmasthala” (The Abode of Dharma). This established the unique tradition of Jain administrators and Hindu priests working in harmony.

Main Poojas Performed

The rituals here follow the Vaishnava tradition of the Madhwa order.

• • Panchamrutha Abhisheka : The primary offering where the Linga is bathed with water, milk, and honey while chanting the Sri Rudram.
  • Mahapooja : A sacred bath using five elements (milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar) to seek health and prosperity.
  • Navakalasha Abhisheka : Offering of Bilva leaves (sacred to Shiva) while chanting 108 or 1008 names of the Lord.
  • Rathotsava (Evening) : A specialized ritual performed for the peace of ancestors and to remove Pitru Dosha.
  • Sahasranama Archana : Performed to alleviate Sarpa Dosha (snake-related astrological afflictions).

Attire (Dressing Guidelines) for Pooja

The temple maintains a strict traditional dress code to preserve its sanctity.

Men:

• • Mandatory: Must remove shirts and vests before entering the inner sanctum
  • Recommended: White Dhoti (Panche) or Veshti.

Women:

• • Saree, Salwar Kameez, or Long Skirts.

Restrictions:

• • Half-pants (shorts) and lungis are strictly prohibited for entry into the inner temple.
  • Nighties and modern Western wear like jeans or short skirts are not permitted.

Official Websites

Government Resource (Tourism/Accommodation):
https://karnatakatourism.org/en/

Temple Trust Website:
https://www.shridharmasthala.org/