History, Importance, Timings, Architecture, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Jaina Temple, Pattadakal, Karnataka, India
Jain Temple or Jain Narayana Temple, one of the important shrine is located in Pattadakal, the UNESCO World Heritage Site for its ancient group of monuments. Pattadakal is also known as different name like Paṭṭadakallu or Raktapura or Pattada Kisuvolal is located on bank of river Malaprabha, in Bagalkot district of Karnataka and at just at 10 km from Aihole and 23 km from Badami. Virupaksha temple is architecture marvel here at Pattadakal. The group of monuments represent the harmonious combination of architectural style of northern and southern India. Pattadakal is the site of ancient temple of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist dated back to 7th - 9th century where several majestic temples were built mainly during the Chalukya rule. From the time of Chalukya Dynasty, it holds spiritual, cultural and rich heritage values since more than 1400 years. Pattadakal is famed for its Dravidian Style temple, Nagara Style Temple and few are combined architecture and always of interest point for archaeologists, history and architecture lover. Here thousands of tourist visit throughout the year and especially during the several festival. Currently it is protest site and managed by Archaeological Survey of India.
Jain Temple of Pattadakal is believed to build in 9th century and commissioned by Rashtrakuta King Krishna II or the Kalyani Chalukyas. Like the other temple of Pattadakal, Jain Temple has the similar design like square sanctum, Pradakshina, Mandapa etc. This temple is dedicated to Lord Parshwanath, 23rd Tirthankar of Jainism and idol is placed in garbhgriha. Jain temple is three storied with the two lower stories but still in functioning. At the entrance of temple large elephants welcomes visitors. You can find several images of Jina on pillars and walls of temple. East facing Jain temple is built in Dravidian style influenced by Rashtrakuta architecture which comprise of large porch. The Mukha mandapa has 16 round-shaped pillars and also stone benches. The Rangamandapa has four pillars and antarala is supported by two pillars. A large image of Makara - crocodile in florid detail marks the entrance to the garbha griha.
There are lot is interesting and important monuments in Pattadakal along with Jain Narayana Temple, these are Mallikararjuna Temple, Chandra Shekhara Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Jambulingeshwara Temple, Galaganath Temple, Papanath Temple, Sangameshwar Temple etc. Also you can plan to visit Badami and Aihole during your visit to Pattadakal.
How to Reach Jain Temple, Pattadakal, UNESCO World Heritage Site near Badami and Aihole, Karnataka, India
As Pattadakal is one of the important historical and religious side near Badami and Pattadakal in Bagalkot district in state of Karnataka and home to several majestic ancient temple. Thus, it is easily accessible via road, rail and air network. Badami has major railway station which is around 22 km Pattadakal from where you can get train to all major station of India. You can get government and private vehicle from nearby cities to reach here by road. The nearest airport from Pattadakal are Hubli Airport at 144 km and Belgaum Airport at 180 km away. There are regular flights to Belgaum from all major cities in the country. Pattadakal is located at just 22 km from Badami, 13 km from Aihole, 46 km from Bagalkot and 135 km from Hampi.