|
Twenty
generations of the Heggade lineage have devoted their
lives to manage and develop the Dharmasthala Kshetra. Sheer
dedication, selfless service and pious devotion to God and
Man, these have been the foundation stones for the great religious
center that is today's Dharmasthala.
The significant architects of the modern Dharmasthala were
the two illustrious predecessors of the present Heggade. Late
Shri Manjayya Heggade and Late Shri Ratnavarma Heggade. Their
zealous efforts have not only been responsible for putting
Dharmasthala on the pilgrims map promoinently but also for
enhancing the amenities to make the pilgrims comfortable.
Besides building better roads, guesthouses, dining halls and
choultries, large-scale welfare activities were also initiated
for the benefit of a large section of the poor people.
|
Shri
Manjayya Heggade who was the Heggade for
37 years from 1918 to 1955, has gone down in history
as a truly liberated man. It was he who started the
Sarva Dharma Sammelana to emphasize the oneness of all
religions and propogate religious tolerance. Besides
bridging religious differences, this poet, philosopher,
artist and educationist also built the causeway across
the river Netravathi to make the journey to Dharmasthala
easier.
|
Shri
Manjayya Heggade |
Shri Rathnavarma Heggade
|
From
1955 to 1968, Shri
Ratnavarma Heggade
wore the laurel as The Heggade. He is justly credited
as being responsible for the golden era in the history
of the Kshetra. Shri Ranavarma Heggade's broad vision
extended to the physical as well. It was he who transformed
the village Dharmasthala to a modern township, developing
the land and buildings; beautiful edifices that abound
with hospitality and solace. Under his aegis, an education
trust was formed to establish Educational Institutions
and spread knowledge. But Shri Ratnavarma Heggade's
most glorious achievement was the beginning of the plans
to erect a statue of Shri Bahubali similar to the ones
at Venoor, Karkala and Shravanabelagola. With this initiation,
Shri Ratnavarma Heggade opened a new chapter in the
history of Dharmasthala.
|
|
