Dharmasthala: A Model for Private Temple Management?

Dear Reader,

Amid debates on freeing Hindu temples from state control, there’s one example that’s hard to ignore—Dharmasthala. Nestled in Karnataka’s scenic Western Ghats, this 600-year-old temple town is more than a place of worship; it’s a testament to what temples can achieve under private management.

Imagine this: over a lakh devotees are served free meals in a single day, centuries-old traditions coexisting with modern sustainability practices, and temples supporting rural development, education, and healthcare across an entire state.

At Dharmasthala, the Heggade lineage has set a gold standard in temple administration.

But what makes Dharmasthala truly unique? It’s not just the seamless blend of Jain and Hindu traditions or the cleanest religious town tag—it’s the way it proves that devotion, transparency, and community service can transform a temple into a powerhouse of social change.

Curious about the Dharmasthala model and how it challenges the status quo?

👉 Here’s the full piece by Sharan Setty on this extraordinary temple town.

PS: This story is part of our special issue on the issue of government control of temples and how best to change it.

– Anmol N Jain