The Heggade is religious head of Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple. After installation as the Heggade, he becomes the representative of Lord Manjunatha and performs his religious duties of propagating the tradition of Dharma in accordance with the command of the Daivas, who accept him as their foster son and ensure that the traditional rituals are observed regularly in the temple of Lord Manjunatha.
Discharging his responsibilities true to his conscience and acting on the precepts of religion, the Heggade acquires an aura of divinity which enables him to function as a representative of Lord Manjunatha and other Dharma Daivas. He executes his social responsibilities as a pious grihastha by extending the four traditional Danas – Anna Dana(Feeding), Aushadha Dana(Healthcare), Vidya Dana(Educate) and Abhaya Dana(Protect from fear). These being the gifts of food, medicine education and freedom from fear. The Heggade is regarded as the voice of Lord Manjunatha. He is expected to Dispense justice, advice and munificence to whoever approaches him with his problems and needs.