Veerendra Heggade Biography 
Veerendra Heggade is a philanthropist and administrator who currently serves as the 21st 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 at the age of 20, on 24 October 1968. As he has no sons, the power will be passed over to his younger brother Harshendra. He is also known for his service to mankind. Government of India recognized his social service by honouring him with India’s second highest civilian award Padma Vibhushan in 2015 and Padma Bhushan in 2000.
D. Veerendra Heggade was born on 25 November 1948 in South Canara in Madras Presidency, British India. His native place is now a part of Karnataka state. He was born as the eldest son of Dharmadhikari Ratnavarma Heggade and his wife Rathnamma Heggade. Veerendra Heggade has three younger brothers and one sister. His father was also well-known as a philanthropist, educationist and legislator. He inherited the administrative power of the Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple and served as Dharmadhikari from 1955 to 1968. Though the family remains the trustees of a Hindu temple, they follow Jainism. Following the death of his father in 1968, D. Veerendra Heggade assumed the power of Dharmadhikari, a position he carries till now even after 50 years.
As a religious person and social worker, he is best known for his contributions towards mankind, education and social welfare. He started Free Mass Marriage every year in Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala since 1972, and hundreds of couples get married every year. He established Rural Development and Self-Employment Training Institute, and also introduced Post Graduation course at Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College, Ujire. Heggade has been a great supporter of preserving Tuluva culture and heritage, and is a patron of arts.
Published: September 16, 2018
Updated: September 16, 2018
