Dharmothana Trust, established in 1991 under the visionary leadership of Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, was created with a unique conviction, that cultural heritage is a vital form of wealth, as valuable to a society’s spirit as economic prosperity. Recognizing the urgent need to preserve Karnataka’s ancient temples and religious monuments, many of which were in various stages of decay, Dr. Heggade initiated a public-private partnership that brought together government support, local communities, and philanthropic contributions.
Over the past three decades, the Trust has meticulously restored 224 temples and structures across 25 districts, reviving sites that span hundreds of years of history and architectural styles.
More than ₹602 Crores has been invested in these conservation activities, covering not only painstaking structural repairs and art restoration but also the revival of ritual and social significance within local communities. Dharmothana Trust’s grassroots approach – emphasizing community involvement and skilled local artisans, has set a national benchmark for heritage conservation, safeguarding Karnataka’s living traditions for generations to come.
