Dharamsala – Himachal Pradesh
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The town of Dharamsala is situated in Himachal Pradesh, on the high slopes in the upper reaches of Kangra Valley. With the Dhauladhar Mountains serving as its backdrop, the town presents a picturesque sight. Dharamsala is divided into two parts, the Upper Dharamsala and the Lower Dharamsala, differing by approximately 1000 m in altitude. The town serves as the headquarters of the Tibetan government in exile. Dharamshala is also the seat of His Holiness, The 14th Dalai Lama in India.
It houses a large settlement of Tibetan refugee. Monks in their robes and old Tibetans walking with rosaries in their hands or turning the prayer wheels is a common sight here. There are a number of monasteries and temples in Dharamsala, which serves as the major attractions for the tourists coming here. There are also several institutes here, set up to conserve the art, culture and traditions of Tibet.
The holy shrine of Sri Manjunathasway is a unique pilgrim center situated in the midst of green fields and coconut palms, fringed by hills. Here is a Siva temple under the trusteeship of a Jain family, and pujas are performed by Madhwa priests. It is a rare temple visited by pilgrims of all communities. Ivil disputes are amicably settled in the name of God. Fharmadhikari Sri Veerenda Heggade serves in the representative of Lord Manjunatha. The presence of Dharma Decathas, who have come to settle here centuries ago, is felt by every devout visitor.
Long ago, there lived a pious Jain by name Birmanna Heggade, His residence was known as Nellayadi Beedu, One day the guardian angels of Dharma came to his house. He treated them honorably and offered his residence itself to them when they asked for it. They revealed to him that they were Dharma Devathas-Kalarahu, Kumaraswamy, Kanyakumari and Kalaki. They ordained Birmanna to build a temple, do pujas and celebrate festivals reqularly. They would speak to them through God.
Annappa and promised to make the place a glorious centr for Dharma and righteousness. Birmanna did accordingly. A Lingam from Kadri near Mangalore was brought and consecreated in the shrine as Sri Manjunathaswamy.
In the temple complex, there are shrines for Dharma Devathas and Lord Annappa. Thousands of visiting pilgrims are offered food in the temple daily. The annual Deepotsava is held during Nov-Dec.
A huge monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara (11.9 metres high) is another major attraction at Dharmasthala. A painting gallery and small zoological park are maintained by the temple authorities.
It houses a large settlement of Tibetan refugee. Monks in their robes and old Tibetans walking with rosaries in their hands or turning the prayer wheels is a common sight here. There are a number of monasteries and temples in Dharamsala, which serves as the major attractions for the tourists coming here. There are also several institutes here, set up to conserve the art, culture and traditions of Tibet.
The holy shrine of Sri Manjunathasway is a unique pilgrim center situated in the midst of green fields and coconut palms, fringed by hills. Here is a Siva temple under the trusteeship of a Jain family, and pujas are performed by Madhwa priests. It is a rare temple visited by pilgrims of all communities. Ivil disputes are amicably settled in the name of God. Fharmadhikari Sri Veerenda Heggade serves in the representative of Lord Manjunatha. The presence of Dharma Decathas, who have come to settle here centuries ago, is felt by every devout visitor.
Long ago, there lived a pious Jain by name Birmanna Heggade, His residence was known as Nellayadi Beedu, One day the guardian angels of Dharma came to his house. He treated them honorably and offered his residence itself to them when they asked for it. They revealed to him that they were Dharma Devathas-Kalarahu, Kumaraswamy, Kanyakumari and Kalaki. They ordained Birmanna to build a temple, do pujas and celebrate festivals reqularly. They would speak to them through God.
Annappa and promised to make the place a glorious centr for Dharma and righteousness. Birmanna did accordingly. A Lingam from Kadri near Mangalore was brought and consecreated in the shrine as Sri Manjunathaswamy.
In the temple complex, there are shrines for Dharma Devathas and Lord Annappa. Thousands of visiting pilgrims are offered food in the temple daily. The annual Deepotsava is held during Nov-Dec.
A huge monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara (11.9 metres high) is another major attraction at Dharmasthala. A painting gallery and small zoological park are maintained by the temple authorities.