Description

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Context

The Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Temple in Dharmasthala has welcomed the Karnataka government's appointment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into allegations of widespread hidden burials of unidentified remains in the pilgrimage destination.

About Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Temple

It is a Hindu temple located in Dharmasthala, Karnataka.
It is devoted to Lord Shiva, known locally as Lord Manjunatha.
The temple is 800 years old.
The Heggades, a hereditary Jain family, administers the temple, which has Madhwa Vaishnava priests.

Architecture of Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Temple

Architectural Style	Kerala temple architecture
Distinctive Feature	Differs from other South Indian temple styles; Manjunatha Dharmasthala temple showcases this uniqueness
Materials Used	Wood, clay, stone, metals, laterite
Base Structure	Made of granite and laterite
Plan	Square plan
Roof Style	Pyramidal sloping roof
Roof Material	Wooden roof covered with gold-plated copper plates (for protection of the wooden skeletal framework)
Pavilion Support	Wooden pillars supporting the front pavilion

Practice Question:

Q. Consider the following statements about Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Temple:

The temple is built in the Kerala style of temple architecture, distinct from typical Dravidian temples of South India.
Its roof is made of wood and is covered with gold-plated copper plates.
The temple is managed by Jain administrators but is dedicated to a Hindu deity.
The main sanctum is constructed entirely of marble.

Which of the above statements are correct?

A) 1, 2 and 3 only
B) 1 and 4 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer:

A) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct – The temple follows Kerala-style architecture, unlike the typical Dravidian style seen in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Statement 2: Correct – Its wooden roof is protected by gold-plated copper plates.
Statement 3: Correct – It is managed by a Jain family (the Heggade family) but is a Shaivite temple dedicated to Lord Manjunath (Shiva).
Statement 4: Incorrect – The sanctum’s base is made of granite and laterite, not marble.