A Life Consecrated
to Dharma

Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade assumed the sacred responsibility of Dharmadhikari of Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala at the tender age of 20, inheriting a 800-year-old legacy of dharmic service. What began as custodianship of an ancient temple tradition evolved, under his visionary stewardship, into one of India's most remarkable models of integrated community development.

"Dr. Heggade's five decades of path-breaking contribution to social, economic and cultural development is what truly defines his unyielding service to the nation."

The traditional role of the Dharmadhikari encompasses the Chaturdanas — four sacred charities: Annadana, Aushadhadana, Vidyadana, and Abhayadana. Dr. Heggade not only fulfilled these ancient duties but reimagined them for the modern world, scaling each into thriving institutions that serve hundreds of thousands annually.

In 2015, the Government of India conferred upon him the Padma Vibhushan — the country's second-highest civilian honour — in recognition of his transformative contributions to social welfare, education, and cultural preservation.