Situated 75 Kms. East of Mangaluru, set in sylvan surroundings on the lower slopes of the Western Ghats, this well known pilgrimage center is an interesting amalgam of faiths. The Manjunatha Temple is a prominent Shaivaite Center, that has Madhwa Vaishnavaite priests and is administered by a hereditary Jain family, the Heggades. The Jain influence can be seen in the 39 ft. statue of Bahubali, erected in 1980 on the hill near the temple. Opposite the temple is the Manjusha Museum which houses a wide rage of objects, including ancient scripts on palm leaves, silver jewellery and religious statuary. Charity is a way of life here and pilgrims that throng the temple are given free food in the temple. During the annual festival, Laksha Deepotsava held in November-December, one lakh lamps are lit and literary and religious discourses are held.

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