Amongst the numerous temple towns in Karnataka, Dharmasthala is the most sacred one. This place of pilgrimage is located in Belthangady taluk of Dakshin Kannada. Dharmasthala is nestled beside Nethravati River on the Western Ghats. It is the abode of Sri Manjunatheshwara Temple. Dharmasthala literally means the place where Dharma prevails. True to the meaning of its name Dharmasthala in Karnataka is a place where charity is the way of life. People from all walks of life are accepted without discrimination. A place for pilgrimage should be open for all, as God himself never differentiates between his children. Dharmasthala, hence, is quite popular amongst pilgrims.

Ancient legends and age-old folklores enlace the place. According to legends the angels of Dharma came to Nelyadibeedu and visited the house of Ammudevi Ballathi and her husband. The couple received their guests happily. They treated the guardian angels with due respect. The angels of Dharma were so impressed with such warmth that they instructed the couple to worship them in the same Beedu and built another house nearby. They promised to take care of the husband and wife. Pergade and his wife began appeasing Gods by putting up a swing cot, lighting lamps and incense sticks in their Nelyadi Beedu. The divine beings reappeared in their dreams and instructed them to build a temple. Thus the temple was build and the idols of Dharma daivas were consecrated, Parva, utsava and Nadavali are celebrated. Later on the advise of Brahmins other gods were also worshipped here.

The temple of Manjunatheshwara is open to all. Devotees of all castes and creeds can visit this place. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here Shiva resides in the form of a golden linga. The special feature of the temple is that it is run by a Jain administrator and the daily rituals are conducted by Madhava priests. The temple in Dharmasthala reflects the genuine spirit of religion. Every visitor loves the hospitality extended by the temple. Approximately 10,000 devotees throng the temple premises each day. Every day prasadam is distributed amongst the visitors. Manjunatheshwara temple has a big and clean kitchen, which is used for preparing the food. Moderately priced guestrooms are there to cater to the needs of the travelers.

Dharmasthala in Karnataka is also a Jain pilgrimage center. It has been a Jain Basadi for ages. The Sri Chandranatha Swamy Temple is worth visiting. Another attraction of this place is the Chandranatha Swamy Temple at Dharmasthala. This is one of the most revered Digambara shrines in South India. The temple of Manjunatheshwara, Dharmasthala also offers medical and several social services.