Bhagwan shanthinatha Digambar Jain Temple, Karnataka

Address

Bhagwan shanthinatha Digambar Jain Temple Kedareshwara Temple Rd, Halebeedu, Hassan district Karnataka 573121

Diety

Parshvanatha

Introduction

Jain Basadi complex in Halebidu, Hassan district consists of three Jain Basadis (Basti or temples) dedicated to the Jain Tirthankars Parshvanatha, Shantinatha and Adinatha. The complex is situated near Kedareshwara temple and Dwarasamudra lake. These temples were constructed in the 12th century during the reign of Hoysala Empire along with Kedareshwara temple and Hoysaleswara Temple have been proposed to be listed under UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2019, the remains of Jain temple were found near Parshvanatha Basadi. In the excavated structure around ten sculptures were found, these sculptures have been moved to Halebid museum. ASI started constructing a compound wall around the Jain complex but during construction few Jain sculptures were found along with the basement structure of another Jain temple. The sculptures were moved to the museum. However, the temple structure was damaged due to the use of heavy earthmoving machinery. The remains of a Jain temple built in the time of Hoysala dynasty was discovered near the Shantinatha Basadi during an excavation in 2021. Many artefacts and sculptures were discovered in the temple site. A 2 feet Jain Upasaka sculpture was also discovered along with the temple remains.

Puranic Significance

Halebidu was the capital of the Hoysala Empire between the c. 11th to 14th century CE when Jainism maintained a strong presence in the region. The region was called Dorasamudra or Dwarasamundra during the rule of Hoysala. Bittiga (later became Vishnuvardhana), is considered the greatest ruler of Hoysala kingdom and was a Jain till around 1115 after which he converted to Vaishnavism under the influence of the Hindu saint Ramanujacharya. However, he still recognized Jainism on par with Hinduism. During their regime, Hinduism and Jainism co-existed with utmost religious harmony. Vishnuvardhana’s wife Shantala Devi, remained a follower of Jainism. These temple were later maintained by Maharaja of Mysore. There are three basadis in this complex