Ratnavarma Heggade

Ratnavarma Heggade Biography

Ratnavarma Heggade was a philanthropist, educationist and legislator who served as the 20th Dharmadhikari or head of the Dharmasthala Temple, an 800-year-old religious institution in the temple town of Dharmasthala in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, and the administration is run by a Jain Bunt family called the Pergades. He became Dharmadhikari in 1955 following the death of his uncle Manjayya Heggade, and served in this position till 1968. Following his death, his elder son Veerendra Heggade succeeded as Dharmadhikari, and has been serving as the administrator for the past 50 years. Veerendra Heggade is a recipient of Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, given by government of India.  

Ratnavarma Heggade was born in South Canara, Madras Presidency in British India. His birth place now belongs to Uduppi district of Karnataka. He was born into the family of Pergades who are the feudal lords of the temple town of Dharmasthala. Ratnamma Heggade was his wife, and the couple had 5 children including one daughter. Following the death of his uncle Manjayya Heggade in 1955, he took over the administrative power of Dharmasthala Temple. Though the family remains the trustees of a Hindu temple, they follow Jainism.

Ratnavarma Heggade earned public attention through his social activities. He transformed the village of Dharmasthala to a modern township, and also established an education trust, to establish educational institutions during this period. He initiated plans to erect a statue of Bahubali and the work was later completed by his son. He also owned brief stint in politics, serving as an MLA in Karnataka Legislative Assembly during 1957 - 1962. Ratnavarma Heggade Tulu Drama Award is named after him, and also a public stadium in Ujire.

Published: September 18, 2018

Updated: September 18, 2018