Hampi Ganagitti Jain Temple, Karnataka

Address

Hampi Ganagitti Jain Temple Hampi, Kampli road SH 49, Karnataka 583239

Diety

Thirthankara

Introduction

Ganagitti Temple in Hampi is a Jain temple. It is located on the Kampli road, on the way to Bhima’s Gate. This lovely temple is one of the simple stone structures in Hampi. The temple is one of the earliest structures constructed during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is one of the notable temples in the ancient village and is visited by a large number of tourists on their Hampi trail. The Ganigitti Jain temple is near Bhima’s gate in the south-east of the urban core section of Hampi. In front of it is a monolithic lamp pillar. The temple faced north; it is dated to 1385 CE, during the rule of Hindu king Harihara II, based on an inscription in the temple. It is dedicated to Tirthankara Kunthunatha and has plain walls, a pillared mandapa and a square sanctum from which the Jina’s statue is missing. There are capitals on the pillars and the doorways have decoration. Over the sanctum is a Dravidian-style, narrowing square, pyramidal tower. Other monuments in the temple compound are in ruins.

Puranic Significance

The Ganagitti Temple was built by Iruguppa Daṇḍanāyaka (also known as Iruga), the minister of Bukkarāya II, during the reign of the Vijayanagara king Harihara II. It was consecrated in the year 1386 AD. The temple is dedicated to Kunthunatha, the 17th Thirthankara of the Jaina faith. The temple is also known as Kunthunatha Jaina Temple. It is one of the main Jain or Jina temples built during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire in Hampi. The temple is also known by other names such as ‘The Oil-Woman Temple’ and the Ganigitti Temple. The Ganagitti temple once had an idol. Though the idol is longer there, the stone pedestal on which the idol once stood can still be found there. The temple also has foot marks on the platforms built inside it. These foot marks are believed to be of Thirthankara. The temple has several Jain sculptures that can be found in various parts of the structure.