If you’ve ever been to Dharmasthala, or even just heard about it, you might have wondered—is it a Hindu temple or a Jain shrine? After all, it’s dedicated to Lord Shiva, yet it has been managed by a Jain family for generations. Sounds unusual, right?
This sacred town in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district is home to Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple, a place where faith, devotion, and history come together in a way that few other places do. But how did a Jain family end up running a temple that follows Hindu customs? That’s where things get interesting.
A Story That Goes Back 800 Years
Legend has it that around eight centuries ago, a noble Jain couple, Birmanna Pergade and Ammu Ballathi, lived in a small settlement called Nelladi Beedu. One night, the couple had a divine experience—the Dharma Daivas (guardian spirits) appeared to them in a dream, asking for a sacred space where people could seek blessings and justice.
Without hesitation, the Pergade family dedicated their land for this divine purpose. What followed was the beginning of what we now call Dharmasthala, which literally translates to “the place of Dharma”. Over time, a Shiva Linga was installed, and Hindu traditions took over the rituals. While the temple is managed by the Jain Heggade family, the worship is performed by Vaishnavite priests, and the customs align with Hindu beliefs.
A Blend of Two Faiths Like No Other
Here’s the unique part—Dharmasthala is neither entirely Hindu nor entirely Jain. It’s a place where two traditions have come together naturally, without conflict. On one hand, the temple follows Hindu religious practices, with grand festivals, daily pujas, and rituals. On the other, the Jain values of charity and selfless service have remained at the heart of its administration.
The Heggade family, descendants of the original Pergades, still run the temple today. The current head, Veerendra Heggade, has taken forward the tradition of service, education, and social work, making Dharmasthala not just a temple but a center for humanitarian activities.
So, Is Dharmasthala a Hindu or Jain Temple?
This debate has gone on for years, and honestly, there may never be a definite answer. Spiritually, it’s a Hindu temple—the rituals, the deity, and the worshippers all align with Hindu traditions. But at the same time, its roots are deeply Jain, with a Jain family overseeing its affairs for centuries.