Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade is the 21st Dharmadhikari (hereditary administrator) of the Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple in Karnataka, India. He belongs to the Pergade dynasty of the Tulu Jain Bunt lineage, a family that has served as the hereditary trustees of the temple for over 800 years.
The Heggade Family Tree
The family is known for a unique religious tradition: while they are Jains by faith, they manage a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Manjunatha (Shiva), where the rituals are performed by Vaishnavite Brahmin priests.
1. Parents
- Father: Late Ratnavarma Heggade, the 20th Dharmadhikari (served 1955–1968). He was also a legislator and educationist.
- Mother: Late Rathnamma Heggade (née Shetty), the daughter of Sankappa Shetty from Mudabidri.
2. Dr. Veerendra Heggade’s Siblings
Dr. Veerendra Heggade is the eldest of five children. His siblings are:
- Harshendra Kumar: His younger brother, who often assists in temple administration and social projects. He is designated as the heir to the Heggadeship.
- Surendra Kumar: Younger brother, involved in the family’s educational and social welfare trusts.
- Rajendra Kumar: Younger brother.
- Padmalata Niranjan: His sister.
3. Immediate Family
- Wife: Hemavathi Heggade. She is actively involved in social causes and heads the Jnanavikasa women’s empowerment program.
- Daughter: Shraddha.
- Son-in-law: Amith Kumar.
- Granddaughter: Manya.
Historical Lineage and Succession
The Heggade lineage follows the Aliyasantana (matrilineal) system traditionally, though the position of Dharmadhikari passes to the eldest male member of the Pergade family.
- Ancient Roots: The family traces its origin to Birmanna Pergade and his wife Ammu Ballalthi, the legendary founders of the temple.
- Notable Ancestors:
- Manjayya Heggade: The 19th Dharmadhikari (Uncle of Ratnavarma Heggade) who served from 1918 to 1955.
- Chandayya Heggade: The predecessor to Manjayya Heggade.
- Current Successor: Since Dr. Veerendra Heggade has no sons, the mantle of the Heggadeship is set to pass to his younger brother, Harshendra Kumar, according to the family’s hereditary customs.
Role and Legacy
The family operates one of the largest family-run kitchens in India, feeding roughly 50,000 pilgrims daily. Under the family’s leadership, the Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) was established, which has become a massive model for poverty eradication and rural self-employment in India.
