Manjunath

Manjunath is a male given name of Indian origin, widely used in Karnataka and other parts of South Asia. The name is typically understood as a compound drawn from Sanskrit and Kannada roots, combining manju, meaning pleasant or charming, with nath (or nātha), meaning lord or protector. The resulting sense is often described as a respectful or devotional title.

In religious and cultural contexts, Manjunatheshwara denotes a form of the Hindu deity Shiva. The name is especially associated with the Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Temple in Dharmasthala, Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. This temple complex centers on the worship of Lord Manjunatheshwara and is a major pilgrimage site known for its inclusive traditions and social service activities coordinated by the local administering trust and the Heggade family.

Beyond religious associations, Manjunath is commonly used as a given name across Karnataka and among the Indian diaspora. It appears in various communities and regions, reflecting the broader appeal of the name within Indian naming practices. The name is part of a broader family of Sanskrit- and Kannada-derived names that use the element nath to denote lordship or protection.

See also: Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Temple (Manjunatheshwara Temple, Dharmasthala).