Ganagitti Jain Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Ballari (Bellary) airport is the nearest airport.

• By train

  Hospet Junction station in Hosapete is the nearest railway station.

• By road

  Numerous buses run from towns and cities across Karnataka to Hampi.

On the way

• The temple is on the route from Kamalapuram to Anegundi.
• The ground around the temple is rugged, and visitors can hike through it.

Why devotees come here

Ganagitti Jain Temple stands near Bhima's gate in the south-east of Hampi, in Vijayanagara district, Karnataka. It is dedicated to Kunthunatha, the 17th Tirthankara of Jainism.

Jain tradition says Kunthunatha attained liberation atop Mount Shikharji at the age of 95,000 years. The temple is dedicated to him, and it is one of the oldest Jain temples in this region.

An inscription in the temple dates it to 1385 CE, during the rule of Hindu king Harihara II. Iruguppa Daanyaka, also known as Iruga, the minister of Bukkarya II's government, built it. Most of the idols from the Hampi Jain temples, which were built in the 14th century, are now missing.

The temple has plain walls, a pillared mandapa and a square sanctum. A monolithic lamp pillar stands in front of it, and a Dravidian-style pyramidal tower narrows above the sanctum. The idol has been moved elsewhere, but its stone pedestal remains where it once stood. There are capitals on the pillars, and the doorways have decoration. Other monuments in the temple compound are in ruins.

Tips for your visit

• This temple is one of six Jain temples and monuments in Hampi.
• The temple lies on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.
• Visitors can meditate on the temple grounds.

Questions people ask