Karnataka is an underrated Jain pilgrimage centre in India. Though the Mahamastabhisheka in Shravanabelagola draws visitors from all over India, the basadis of Moodabidri or temples in Northern Karnataka are not that recognized and underrated. The statue of Gomateshwara is anointed with milk, sandalwood, turmeric and other things and the Mahamastabhisheka is celebrated once every 12 years. Similar to its biodiversity, Karnataka is also popular for its cultural and religious multiplicity. In this blog, we are going to guide you about the 8 most famous Jain temples in Karnataka.&nbsp;

In the 20th and 21st centuries, we may boast about skyscrapers, dams and luxury hotels but nothing matches the architectural brilliance of many dynasties that ruled the world. Hand-carved statues of mythic figures or majestic gopuras that one can’t even comprehend in this era make those structures remarkable. It tells the tale of a society closely aligned with nature, art, and spirituality. Karnataka is one such state that abounds in religious heritage.&nbsp;

‘Dharma’ means righteousness and ‘sthala’ means place. So, the shrine upholds justice and universal laws like honesty, integrity and equality. It is one of the finest examples of cultural amalgamation in a religious setting. The administrative affairs of the temple are managed by a Jain family known as ‘Heggades’. The current administrator is Veerendra Heggade who is known for spearheading many social welfare programmes. Apart from this, the temple is in the lap of nature. It makes for an amazing ride on the winding roads of the Western Ghats.

Location: Belthangady taluk, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
Timings: 6:30 AM - 2 PM and 5 PM - 9:30 PM

It is a world-famous Jain pilgrimage centre in Karnataka. The 18m high statue of Gomateshwara is jaw-dropping. Monolithic means the structure is carved out of a single block of stone and this statue is of granite. Small temples of all the Tirthankaras surround the temple. It is situated on the Vidhyagiri hills and 700 steps lead to the statue. Bahubali is the son of the first Tirtankara of Jainism, Rishabadev. Since he meditated while standing, all the statues of Bahubali around India are in this position with plants winding around his thighs and hands.

Location: Near Channarayapatna taluk, Hassan district, Karnataka
Timings: 6:30 AM - 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM

The Western Ghats of Karnataka was a perfect abode for monks of Jainism. Since then, temples and monasteries were centres of spirituality. Kundadri is one such beauty, located close to Agumbe. The temple is dedicated to Parashwanath Tirthankara. He was the 23rd of 24 Tirtankaras of the religion. It is an aesthetic temple adorned with simple carvings of Jain monks. The temple is atop the Kundadri hills and people often hike or camp in the hills. From this vantage point, one can soak in the beauty of evergreen forests and enjoy the sunset.

Location: Kundadri, Shivamogga, Karnataka
Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

It is a top-rated religious hotspot in Hubballi in Northern Karnataka. The main attraction of the temple is a 61 feet high statue of the 23rd Tritankara, Parashwanath. It is a modern temple which was constructed in 2005 and is different in its architecture from the older ones like Dharmasthara and Kundadri temple. The other statues stand on round structures resembling 8 planets and are considered auspicious. Acharya Shri Gundhar Nandi Maharaj is remembered for his efforts in the temple’s construction.

Location: Adjacent to Pune Bengaluru Highway, Varur, Hubballi, Karnataka
Timings: Open 24 hours

It is a one-of-a-kind Jain temple located in a very secluded coconut plantation. It is a peaceful place away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Interestingly, one can reach the main sanctum of the temple from all 4 directions. So, the temple is known as ‘chaturmukaha’ which means four faces. Jain centres in South India are called ‘Basadi’. When you visit the temple, you can also tour Jain temples like Kere Basadi, Padmavati Basadi and the Gommateshwara statue of Karkala.

Location: Market road, Karkala, Udupi, Karnataka
Timings: 10 AM - 2 PM and 4 PM - 5:30 PM

In Karnataka alone there are at least 10 Bahubali or Gommateshwara statues. The popular ones are located in Shravanabelagola, Karkala, Dharmasthala, Venur and Gommatagiri. Gommatagiri in Mysore is stands tall at 16 feet on the Shravana Gudda hill. Gommatagiri translates to ‘Hill of Gommateshwara’. One often ignores Gomatagiri while touring Mysore since the popular tourist destinations are the Mysore Palace, Bandipur National Park, KRS and Chamundeshwari temple. Visiting the place helps one perceive the religious diversity of Mysore which is mostly unknown and forgotten.

Location: Bilikere hobli, Hunsur taluk, Mysore, Karnataka
Timings: 5:30 AM - 8:30 PM

The colossal Badami caves are just awe-inspiring! No one would ever imagine that a tiny hamlet in Northern Karnataka treasures gems of Chaulkya architecture. It is a perfect place to seek out adventure and history in rural Karnataka and experience the local hospitality. As you enter the gates you can often spot kids playing cricket or monkeys joyfully clambering on these sandstone cliffs. The heritage of Chalukya is often eclipsed by the glory of Pandya and Chola while studying history, which makes this a place worth visiting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Location: Badami, Bagalkot, Karnataka
Timings: 9 AM - 5:30 PM

Yet another architectural masterpiece in Dakshina Kannada, it is dedicated to Jain Tirtankara Chandraprabha. He is the eighth Tirtankara of Jainism. The pillars of the temple are just marvellous and symbols and stories of Jainism are carved on them. It can also be a part of an educational tour due to its historical significance. It is a testimony to the intellectual ingenuity of engineers and sculptors of the 15th century. The temple town is also popularly known as Jain Kashi’ of India since it is dotted with many Jain temples.

Location: Moodabidri, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
Timings: 7:30 AM - 6 PM

8 Most Famous Jain Temples in Karnataka

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