Navagraha Jain Temple- Karnataka

Address

Navagraha Jain Temple- Varur, Hubli, Karnataka 581207

Deity

Parshvanatha

Introduction

• Location: Varur, near Hubli, Karnataka; approximately 29 km (18 mi) from Hubli-Dharwad city.
• Significance: A major pilgrimage site for the Jain community in India, Navagraha Jain Temple features a monumental 61-foot (19 m) tall monolithic idol of Shri 1008 Bhagavan Parshvanatha, the tallest statue of the Jain deity in India. The statue stands on a 48-foot (15 m) high pedestal, making the total height 109 feet (33 m).

Puranic Significance:

• Construction:
  • Timeline: The construction of the Navagraha Teertha began in January 2005 and was completed within a year. The project was overseen by Sri Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj and supported by Sri Dharmasena Bhattaraka Swamiji.
  • Historical Context: The Navagraha Teertha is dedicated to reconciling the Graha Doshas (planetary afflictions) believed to affect human life. Worship of the nine tirthankaras, including Lord Parshvanatha, is said to help alleviate these doshas.
• Architectural Significance:
  • Statue: The central monolithic statue of Parshvanatha is 61 feet tall and weighs 185 tons, making it larger than the famous statue of Gomateshwara (Lord Bahubali) at Shravanabelagola.
  • Pedestal: The statue is elevated on a 48-foot high pedestal, making the combined height of the pedestal and statue 109 feet (33 meters). The pedestal features petal-shaped edges.
  • Visibility: The tirthankaras’ statues can be seen from up to 4 km (2.5 miles) away on the national highway, visible when exiting the Tapovan flyover near Varur.

Special Features:

• Monolithic Statue: The 18.6-meter tall statue of Shri Bhagavan Parshvanatha is carved from a single piece of stone.
• Accompanying Statues: Smaller statues of the other eight Jain tirthankaras are also featured, each named after a planet.
• Design: The statue of Parshvanatha is notable for its grandeur and intricate carving, built on a raised platform with elaborate petal-shaped edges.

Festivals:

• Mahamastakabhisheka: A significant festival celebrating the grandeur of the statue.
• Mahavir Jayanti: Another important festival celebrated at the temple, honoring the birth of Lord Mahavir.

Century/Period/Age

2005

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Hubballi

Nearest Railway Station

Hubballi

Nearest Airport

Hubballi

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