ARASIKERE

 

JAINISM IN INDIA > KARNATAKA > ARASIKERE

 

Main Deity - About 42 inches high metal idol of Bhagwan Mahavira.

 

History - This is an ancient Jain centre. It is said that there were many Jain temples at this place during the period of Hoysala kings. We can find two Jain temples at this the Shasrakuta basadi and another Swethambara temple.  The Sahasrakuta basadi being situated in the Huliyara street is very ancient and was constructed during the Hoysalas period. Here we can find the sahasrakuta tirthankaras being carved on a single stone. This is the only place other than Adaguru in South Karnataka where we can find the sahasrakuta carving. The metal idol of Bhagwan Mahavira that is being installed on the sahasrakuta carving is very attractive. Behind the Sahasrakuta idol we can find the 30 inches high idol of Bhagawan Adinatha in the padmasana posture. To the right of the Adinatha idol we can find  the 2 feet high idol of bhagawan Vimalanatha in the kayotsarga posture and to the left we can find the idol of goddess Saraswathi. This temple has Sukhanasi, Pradakshinapatha, Navaranga and  Mukhamantapa. The carvings in the Navaranga area of the temple is very attractive We can also find an ancient inscription in this temple that gives the information about the temple history and its construction.

     The other Jain temple is the Swethambara Jain temple being situated in the Aralikatte street was constructed about 10 years back. In this temple we can find the 12 inches high white coloured idol of Bhagawan Vasupujya in the padmasana posture. To the right of this idol we can find the idol of Bhagawan Shanthinatha and to the left we can find the idol of Bhagawan Mallinatha. Also we can find the idol of Manibadhraji and many small Jaina idols in the temple. The paintings of the different Jain pilgrimage places in this temple is very attractive.   

 

Guidance - This place is at a distance of 40 Kms from Hassan and  70 Kms from Shravanabelagola.

 

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