All India Jain Temples and Tourist Places

Author(s): B C Nagraj
Publisher: ITI Jains Association, Bangalore

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Nestling between the eastern and western Ghats and sloping down into the Arabian sea in the West of Karnataka, is the home of sandal wood and spices, ebony and elephant, coffee and cedar, peacock and gold. The hills and seashore offer a variety of climate and landscape, from cool hills and dense jungles to sun kissed beaches.
The history of Karnataka is embedded with the history of Jainism. The great emperor Chandragupta Maurya along with Muni Bhadrabahu came to Shravanabelagola and spent his last days as ascetic. The kings of Ganga dynasty who ruled from southern part of Karnataka during 2nd to 11th century A.D., were the patrons of Jainism. Chaundaraya, the commander-in-chief of Ganga king Rachamalla waged many wars to victories. He was the cause for the construction of famous monolithic statue 'Gommateswara' at Shravanabelagola during 981 A.D. Attimabbe, noble lady of Chalukya dynasty was the patron of great kannada poet Ranna. She constructed many basadis in 10th century AD and gave donations to many basadis. 10th century AD was the Golden age of Kannada literature with celebrated Jain poets Pampa, Ranna and Ponna called as “Ratnatrayas'
The Rastrakuta kings were the great patrons of Jainism. Nrupatunga Deva, the famous Rastrakuta king was the disciple of great saints and scholars Jinasenacharya and Gunabhadracharya.
The Hoysala dynasty came into force by a Jain ascetic called Sudatta muni's grace and guidance. Shantala Devi queen of Vishnuvardhana was the ardent follower of Jainsim who took Sallekhana Vratha to end her life. Hulla the commander-in-chief of, Vishnuvardhana constructed a Basadi and renovated many at Shravanabelagola.
During the Vijayanagara period many ministers were the followers of Jainism. Irugappa, commander-in-chief of Harihara II worked for the upliftment of Jainism. 190. BANGALORE CITY (Capital city of Karnataka)
Bangalore is founded by Kempe Gowda in 1537
The city has a salubrious climate and is 3000 ft. above sea level. It is one of the most liveliest and charming of all Indian cities.
The city has following Jain Temples. (1) Sri Mahaveera Digambar Jain Temple, Chickpet has metallic Mahaveera Swamy, Parswanathaswamy, statues of Tirthanakaras and Yakshis.
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