Dharmasthala
Besides the many Jain basadis and a museum, the centrepiece of this temple town is a 39ft. monolith statue of Lord Bahubali. Dharmasthala, situated 65km east of Mangalore, in Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, is a remarkable example of communal harmony and religious and cultural tolerance. The Jain tirthankara and Lord Manjunatha (Shiva) are worshipped on the same consecrated ground. Here, religious charity is a way of life. The Manjunatha Temple, a prominent Shaiva centre, is administered by a benevolent Jain Heggade, whose charity and concern for social welfare have become legendary. Irrespective of caste, creed, or religion, pilgrims are given free meals and lodging. During the festival of Laksha Deepotsava, 100,000 oil lamps light up the night with their tiny flames
