Shri Parshwanath Digambar Jaina Temple, Annigeri
Annigeri is an important historic centre in northern Karnataka with a rich Jain heritage that is reflected in its inscriptions, temples and sculptural remains. The Śrī Pārśvanātha Digambara Jaina Temple, with its early epigraphical references and valuable collection of Jain images, stands as an important testimony to the antiquity and continuity of Jainism in the region.
History of the Pārśvanātha Temple
Annigeri was an important political and cultural centre and served as the capital of Belvola-300. It also occupied a significant position during the Hoysala period, when it functioned as a sub-capital under Hoysala Vīra Ballāḷa. The antiquity of Jainism at Annigeri is particularly evident from the inscriptions associated with the town and its Jain monuments.
Inscriptions Associated with the Pārśvanātha Temple
An inscription dated to 751-752 C.E., found in the Bānashankarī Temple at Annigeri, provides an important reference to the early history of Jainism in the town. It records the construction of a temple dedicated to Bhagavān Pārśvanātha in 750 C.E. The inscription states that the temple was built by Kalliyammarasa, who served as a village officer during the Ganga period.
Another inscription found in front of the Pārśvanātha temple records its renovation in 1071 C.E. by a Chalukyan king, reportedly in memory of his mother. The same inscription also provides information about a devotee named Mahādēviyakka, who undertook the Sallekhanāvrata.
These inscriptions are particularly significant as they provide valuable evidence for the antiquity of the Pārśvanātha shrine and the continued presence of Jain religious traditions at Annigeri over several centuries.
Main Deity – Śrī Pārśvanātha Tīrthaṅkara
The principal deity of the temple is Bhagavān Pārśvanātha. The magnificent image portrays the Tīrthaṅkara seated in Paryaṅkāsana on a lotus pedestal (Kamalapīṭha). The image is flanked by Cāmaradhāras, while a Chatatraya – the three-tiered ceremonial umbrella – is depicted above the head. The composition is an excellent example of the traditional Jain iconographic representation of a Tīrthaṅkara.
Other Images in the Temple
The temple houses a noteworthy collection of Jain images representing different Tīrthaṅkaras, attendant deities and associated religious traditions. Among the important images are:
- Bhagavān Vardhamāna Mahāvīra
- Śrī Śāntinātha in Khadgāsana
- Bhagavān Pārśvanātha in Padmāsana
- Bhagavān Puṣpadanta
- The Cauvīsa Tīrthaṅkaras – the group of twenty-four Tīrthaṅkaras
- Brahmadeva
- Yakṣī Padmāvatī
- Yakṣī Kūṣmāṇḍinī
- Sarasvatī Devī
Together, these images reflect the richness of Jain religious art and the continuity of Jain worship and artistic traditions at Annigeri.
How to Reach
Annigeri is located approximately 40 km from Dharwad and about 16 km from Navalgund. Dharwad provides convenient accommodation for visitors wishing to explore the Jain heritage of Annigeri and other important historical sites in the surrounding region.