Pattadakal Sri Jain Narayana Temple – Karnataka

Address

Pattadakal Sri Jain Narayana Temple –Pattadakal Pattadakal Group of Monuments Bagalkot district, Karnataka 587201, India

Diety

Theerthankar, Parsvanatha

Introduction

Jain Narayana Temple is a Jain Temple dedicated to Jain Theerthankar, Parsvanatha located in Pattadakal in Bagalkot District of Karnataka, India. This temple is part of Pattadakal Group of Monuments, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Puranic Significance

The Jaina temple at Pattadakal was built during the 9th century, possibly with sponsorship from the Rashtrakuta King Krishna II or the KalyaniChalukyas.

Special Features

In contrast to the other nine temples in the complex, the Narayana temple does not feature Hindu deities or intricate panels. Instead, it houses a statue of a Jina carved into the north side kapota eave. However, like the Hindu temples, it follows a similar architectural layout, including a square sanctum, a circumambulatory path, an antechamber, a mantapa (community hall), and a porch.

The mantapa of the Narayana temple is divided into seven bays on both the north and south walls, with narrow niches containing seated Jinas. The architectural style of the bays is reminiscent of North Indian design, and the tower storey showcases a carved square shikhara. Within the mantapa, a row of lathe-turned sandstone pillars can be found. These pillars are adorned with various decorations, including figures of dancers, purna-ghata (ornamental pots), nidhis (treasures), and vyalas (mythical creatures). Some of the artwork appears to be partially finished.

The entrance to the Narayana temple is marked by carvings of a life-sized elephant torso with riders. According to Adam Hardy, it is possible that the niches in this Jain temple’s mantapa previously contained images, but these have since been removed or lost. Excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India at the site revealed evidence of an older temple and Jaina presence. These excavations uncovered the remains of a large brick-built temple complex and a sculpture of a standing Tirthankara in sama-bhanga pose.