Dharmasthala is a very prominent Shaiva Centre where Manjunatha (Shiva) is worshipped by Madhwa Vaishnava priests of Shivalli tradition and the temple administrator or Dharmadarshi is Jaina and the temple treats Bhutas (the remnants of animistic cult, in which departed persons are deified and treated as the 'ganas' of Shiva. It is 75 km. from Mangalore and is amidst hilly green attractive settings. The temple has the main Manjunatha Linga and Devi. The place has Chandranatha Basti and a Gommata monolith 11.9metres in height, installed in 1980's. The 'Manjusha' Museum here is unique. Buses are available from all major centres of Karnataka and choultries for stay are plenty. There is a well executed food serving system for all the tourists irrespective of their caste or creed. The temple management runs many institutions of learning.
Tourist Attractions in Dharmasthala
Vintage car museum
Manjusha vastu sangrahalaya (museum)
Pushpa vatika
Vasantha Mahal - Cultural Hall
Tempels of Dharmasthala
Shri Manjunatheshwara
Shri Ammanavaru
Four Dharma Daivas: Kalarahu, Kalarkaayi, Kanyakumari and Kumaraswamy Lord Ganapathi
