Sri Kadri Manjunatha Contact Details – Telephone Number and Address - Story And History Of Manjunatha Temple In Karnataka
Kadri, Mangalore,
Mangalore Taluk,
South Canara District,
Pin - 575 002.
Kadri Shree Manjunatha Temple,
Kadri, Mangalore,
Mangalore Taluk,
South Canara district,
Pin - 575 002.
Story And History Of Manjunatha Temple In Karnataka
The Manjunatha Temple is a renowned Hindu temple located in
the town of Dharmasthala in Karnataka, India. This temple is dedicated to Lord
Shiva, worshipped here in the form of Manjunatha Swamy. The temple is famous
for its unique tradition of upholding religious harmony, as it is managed by a
Jain family, the Heggades, for over 800 years.
The history of the Manjunatha Temple dates back to several
centuries. Legend has it that the temple was established by a local Jain
chieftain named Birmanna Pergade. According to the folklore, Lord Shiva
appeared in Pergade's dream and instructed him to install a lingam (an abstract
representation of Shiva) that was being worshipped by the local tribal chief,
as a deity in the temple. Following the divine instruction, Pergade installed
the lingam and dedicated the temple to Lord Shiva. Since then, the lingam is
worshipped as Manjunatha Swamy.
What makes the Manjunatha Temple unique is its
administration. Despite being a Hindu temple, it's managed by a Jain
administration, the Heggade family. This tradition began in the 16th century
when the local Jain chieftain, Birmanna Pergade, was entrusted by the
Dharmadhikari (head of the temple) to oversee the temple's administration. The
Heggade family has continued this tradition of administration for generations,
promoting religious harmony and tolerance.
The temple attracts devotees from all over India, who come
to seek the blessings of Lord Manjunatha. The temple complex also includes
shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities like Goddess Ammanavaru, Lord
Ganapathi, Lord Subrahmanya, and Lord Chandranatha. It's not just a place of
worship but also a center for various philanthropic activities, including
running hospitals, schools, and providing free food to pilgrims.
One of the most significant festivals celebrated at the
Manjunatha Temple is the annual Lakshadeepa festival, also known as Deepotsava.
During this festival, the entire temple complex is illuminated with thousands
of oil lamps, creating a mesmerizing sight. Devotees throng to witness this
grand spectacle and seek the blessings of Lord Manjunatha.
The Manjunatha Temple stands not only as a symbol of
religious devotion but also as a beacon of religious harmony, where people from
different faiths come together to worship and celebrate the divine.