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Manjunatha Temple, which is one of the important religious places in Karnataka, is located at the foot of Kadri hills, near the Dharmasthala village of South Kanara district of Karnataka. The village Dharmasthala lies near the Mangalore Charmady highway. Dharmasthala is a sacred place that attracts pilgrims from all over India in thousands. The Manjunatha Temple is dedicated to Lord Shri Manjunatha Swami, who is another form of Lord Shiva. Lord Manjunatha signifies the close inter association with legends, education and religion in India.
Dharmasthala is renowned for its Chair of Righteousness and the judge who sits on the chair is called Dharmadhikari. The yearly fair of Deepotsava is one of the major events of Manjunatha Temple. During the festival, innumerable lights decorate the surroundings of the temple. The festival is celebrated in November or December.
Pilgrims to Manjunatha Temple take a dip in the waters of the Netravathi River, which lies on the way to the sacred place. The water of the river is considered as 'holy water' and it is used for 'tirtha' in the temple. The atmosphere of this sacred place is enjoyably warm through the rainy season and is hot in summers. The sacred place has scenic border of fields, hills and coconut trees. Hills like Badinede Betta, Jayakeerti Betta and Shivarathri Betta are some of the charming hills close to Manjunatha Temple. The landscape of the hills is pleasing and enjoyable.
Other temples near the Manjunatha Temple belong to the various pious deities. Kalarkai, Kalarahu, Kannyakumari and Kumaraswamy temples are located nearby the main shrine of Dharmasthala. Goddess Ammanavaru and Lord Mahaganapati temples are sited in the main chamber of the temple.
Cottage facility is available at Manjunatha Temple grounds and pilgrims can get here food without any charge.
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