Karnataka, a land of rich heritage and culture, is home to some of the most magnificent Jain temples in India. From towering monolith statues to intricately carved temples, the state offers a deep dive into the Jain faith, its history, and its architectural brilliance. Recently, we had the opportunity to explore Karnataka’s Jain circuit, covering several historical temples across different regions. Here’s a detailed guide for fellow travellers interested in exploring Karnataka’s Jain heritage.

Shravanbelagola Gomateshwar: Home to the World’s Largest Monolith Statue

Did you know that Karnataka is home to the world’s biggest monolith statue? Located in Shravanbelagola, the Gomateshwar statue of Bahubali is an iconic symbol of Jainism. This 58.8-feet tall statue is carved out of a single granite block and dates back to 981 AD, commissioned by the Ganga dynasty minister Chamundaraya. It stands atop Vindhyagiri Hill, accessible via 600+ steps carved into the hill.

Shravanbelagola is an important pilgrimage site, attracting devotees and tourists alike. Every 12 years, the grand Mahamasthakabhisheka festival is held here, where the statue is bathed with milk, saffron, and sandalwood paste.

Matada Basadi

During our visit to the Gomateshwara Temple at Shravanabelagola, we explored Matada Basadi, which is located at the base of the hill and is definitely worth a visit. The Jain mural paintings at Matada Basadi (Jain Mutt Temple) in Shravanabelagola beautifully depict various scenes from Jain history and philosophy. These include moments from the lives of the Tirthankaras, the samavasarana of Parshwanath, the story of Bharath, and Jaina King Nagakumara. One of the highlights is a garden scene illustrating the six Leshyas, an important concept in Jain philosophy. Another striking painting we saw depicted a Jain monk undergoing mundan (tonsure), symbolizing renunciation.

Travel Tips:

Dress Code: Avoid wearing short clothes; modest attire is recommended.

Shoes Not Allowed: You must walk barefoot or wear socks while climbing the steps.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening to avoid the harsh sun.

Nearby Stays: Several dharmashalas and budget hotels are available in Hassan, about 50 km away. There are Dharmshalas available in Sharawanbelagola too, but these are basic accommodations and you need to make all other arrangements on your own, including the drinking water.

Food Options: Traditional Jain meals are available at local eateries and as prasad at temples. Temple prasads are free of cost for all devotees.

Dharmasthala: A Unique Blend of Jain and Shaiva Traditions

One of the most fascinating stops on our journey was Dharmasthala, where a Shiva temple is uniquely managed by a Jain family. This religious harmony makes Dharmasthala a must-visit site. There is a long wait to do the darshan, but on payment, you can do VIP darshan that would be faster. All male devotees have to remove shirts and vests before entering the main temple. No such embargo for female devotees.

From here we took an auto to visit the Dharmasthala Bahubali statue. The temple town also houses a massive 39-foot Bahubali statue, installed in 1973, standing in the open sky, leaving visitors in awe. You can choose to trek up or take a shared auto.

Travel Tips:

Photography Prohibited: Inside the sanctum sanctorum.

Free Meals: Served at the Annapoorna Choultry to all devotees.

Nearby Attractions: Visit the Manjusha Museum to see Jain relics and ancient scriptures.

1000 Pillar Temple, Moodbidri: A Marvel of Jain Architecture

Located in Moodbidri, the 1000 Pillar Temple (Saavira Kambada Basadi) is an architectural masterpiece. Built in 1430 AD, it is dedicated to Lord Chandraprabha, the eighth Jain Tirthankara. The temple’s unique feature? No two pillars are identical, and its structure is designed in such a way that no pillar obstructs the view of the deity.

Nearby, you can also visit the Devi Annapoorneshwari Temple, dedicated to the goddess of food and nourishment.

Travel Tips:

Best Time to Visit: October to March for pleasant weather.

Where to Stay: Moodbidri has a few good hotels and dharmashalas for Jain pilgrims.

Local Food: Don’t miss the Jain thali at nearby eateries.

Anakere Basadi, Karkala: A Hidden Gem with Unique Features

Our next stop was Anakere Basadi in Karkala, an ancient Jain temple with some unique architectural elements. Located near a water body (Anakere Lake), this temple features a rotating pillar, an interesting engineering marvel. It is dedicated to Lord Parshwanath, the 23rd Jain Tirthankar.

Travel Tips:

Best Time to Visit: Early morning to witness the serene surroundings.

Footwear Policy: Shoes must be removed before entering the temple.

Nearby Attractions: Visit the Chaturmukha Basadi, another ancient Jain temple nearby.

Karkala Bahubali Jain Temple: The Second Tallest Bahubali Statue

Karkala is home to the second tallest Bahubali statue in Karnataka, standing 42 feet tall. Built in 1432 AD by King Veera Pandya, this monolithic structure is another testament to Jain craftsmanship. The temple is located on a Hill, offering stunning panoramic views of the town below.

Travel Tips:

Climbing Required: The temple is on a small hill, so be prepared for a short uphill climb.

Best Time to Visit: Post-monsoon season for lush greenery.

Where to Stay: Budget hotels and homestays are available in Karkala.

Devi Padmavati Jain Digambar Temple, Humcha: A Shrine for a Female Deity

Unlike most Jain temples dedicated to male Tirthankars, Humcha is home to the Devi Padmavati Jain Digambar Temple, dedicated to Goddess Padmavati, the presiding deity of protection and prosperity. Founded in the 7th century AD by Jindatt Acharya, it remains an important pilgrimage site.

Unique Features:

Free Meals: Served three times a day to all devotees.

Serene Location: The temple is surrounded by forests, adding to its spiritual vibe.

Travel Tips:

Stay Options: Dharmashalas are available for pilgrims.

Best Time to Visit: September to February for cooler weather.

Food Tip: Try the local Jain food, which is simple yet flavorful.

Final Thoughts: A Spiritual and Architectural Journey Through Karnataka’s Jain Heritage

In just 3-4 days, we traversed through centuries of Jain history, witnessing architectural marvels, spiritual sanctuaries, and breathtaking monoliths. Karnataka’s Jain circuit is not just a pilgrimage but also an immersive experience into India’s cultural and historical richness. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or a spiritual seeker, this journey is sure to leave you mesmerized.

This trip to Karnataka’s Jain circuit was in collaboration with the Karnataka International Travel Expo, one of India’s biggest B2B travel marts promoting Karnataka’s rich tourism heritage.

If you’re planning a visit, bookmark this guide and get ready to explore Karnataka’s lesser-known yet fascinating Jain heritage! Have you visited any of these temples? Share your experiences in the comments below.