Manjusha Museum, Heritage museum in Dharmasthala, India
Manjusha Museum is a heritage museum in Dharmasthala that houses antiques, paintings, temple objects, and historic automobiles spread across two separate exhibition spaces. The collection spans different periods and reflects both regional history and private collecting interests.
The museum is privately owned by D. Veerendra Heggade, the Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala, and has existed for 35 years. It was established through his efforts together with P. R. Thippeswamy, a Mysore artist and folklorist who played a key role in its development. Some of Thippeswamy's paintings are displayed prominently in his honour.
The museum keeps a 300-year-old veena and a book of accounts from the Manjunatha Swamy temple. It also holds a veena played by Veene Sheshanna and paintings by P. R. Thippeswamy, displayed in his honour. Crafts from the coastal region, jewellery and objects of worship fill the collection.
The museum is straightforward to visit since it is divided into two clear exhibition areas that are easy to navigate. It helps to allow time to explore both sections, especially if you are interested in historic vehicles or crafted objects.
The museum keeps about 6,000 palm-leaf manuscripts, among them a copy of the Manusmriti. A separate hall a short distance away holds roughly 50 vintage and classic cars, most of which are still in running condition.
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