Indian Columbus

Dharmasthala can be literally translated as 'the abode of Dharma'. As per this name, one can find almost all manifestations of Dharma - duty, charity, justice, devotion, faith, etc. The entire town is a religious town considered sacred by Hindus and Jains. The main attraction of the city is Manjunath temple. It is a unique Shiva temple having Vaishnaivite (supposed to worship Lord Vishnu) priest and is administered by a Jain family. Let me explore this divine town in detail in this article. Manjunath Temple Manjunath Temple : Manjunath temple is the main attraction of Dharmasthala. Thousands of devotees throng to this temple. You can always find a long queue of devotees at the temple entrance. The 16th-century temple resembles Kerala-style architecture; from the outside, it appears more like a Chettinad Palace than a temple. The temple vimana is adorned with gold. It is a tiny temple if you exclude the dining halls, waiting rooms, devotees' rooms, etc. The main shr...