Jain Temples and Tourist Places in Karnataka

Karnataka's vibrant tourist circuit is peppered with an abundance of Jam temples, monuments and pilgrim spots. The Jam philosophy of non-violence and peace found royal patronage in the state and these

Karnataka's vibrant tourist circuit is peppered with an abundance of Jam temples, monuments and pilgrim spots. The Jam philosophy of non-violence and peace found royal patronage in the state and these temples and monuments are a testimony to the days when Jainism held sway in Karnataka.

Jan architecture can be classified into basadis and bettas. A basadi is a Jan temple where an image of one of the 24 tirthankaras (saints) is installed and worshiped. They were built in the Dravidian style and the oldest basadi can be traced back to the 8th century. A betta is a hill with an open courtyard containing an image of Gommata or Gomateshwara 30 districts of karnataka.

SHRAVANABELAGOLA

The most well known edifice of Jainism is the great monolithic statue of Gomateshwara or Lord Bahubalj at Shravanabelagola. This colossal statue, carved from granite, is the world's tallest at 58.6 feet. Chavundandaraya, the Ganga general, is said to have undertaken the enormous task of installing the statue on the top of Vindhyagiri hill around 1,000 years ago.

A symbol of peace, tolerance and non-violence, this image symbolizes renunciation. The image of Gommata has curly hair and long, large ears. His eyes are open as if viewing the world with detachment. The entire figure stands on an open lotus, signifying the totality attained in installing this unique statue.

Located in Channarayapatna taluk of Hassan district, this huge statue is clearly visible from a distance of nearly 15 km. To reach it, you have to climb more than 600 steps chiseled in the rock. There are two 3rd century BC monuments on the hill-a rock-cut cave called Bhadrabahu and a structural shrine called the Chandragupta Basadi.

What is special about Shravanabelagola is the Mahamastakabhisheka, held every 12 years. The ceremonies last 20 days and the statue of Bahuhalj is anointed with 1,008 kalashas (painted earthen pots) of water, milk, coconut water, clarified butter, saffron, jiggery, bananas, sandal paste and marigold flowers. Since inception in the 10th century, the Mahamasthakabhisheka has been conducted 73 times. The next ceremony will be held in 2018.