In the middle of Karnataka, the Varanga Jain Temple is a peaceful reminder of how Jainism has grown in the area over the years. This temple has a history that goes back to the 7th century. It has religious and cultural meanings that have changed over the years.
History of this Temple: The history of Jainism in Varanga is linked to that of the Alupa dynasty, which ruled coastal Karnataka from the 2nd century to the 15th. The Santharas or Bhairaras dynasty, which was related to the Alupas, had a big impact on the religion of the area. Jinadatta Raya started the Santra dynasty, which built the Kalasa-Karkala Kingdom. Hombuja in Karnataka was its main city.
Best time to visit this Temple: The Varanga Jain Temple is at its most beautiful from October to February. These months have nice weather and also happen to be when some of the temple’s annual events happen in February and March.
Varanga Jain Temple Timings: The temple opens its doors at 6:00 am and closes at 6:00 pm daily, with specific timings for each day of the week.
- Saturday: 8am–12pm, 3:30–6pm
- Sunday to Friday: 8am–12pm, 3:30–6pm
How to reach Varanga Jain Temple: For travelers, Varanga is accessible by air, with the nearest airport being Mangaluru International Airport, approximately 68 km away. Udupi serves as the nearest railway station, situated about 40 km from Varanga. Roadways connect Varanga to Shimoga and Bangalore, offering a variety of transport options.
Festivals: The Rathotsava, a grand chariot festival, takes center stage annually in February, spanning five days. Buta Kola celebrations mark Navaratri, Dusshera, and Diwali. Vijayadashami witnesses a Ratha Yatra, commemorating the procession of King Deva Raya II.
About Kere Basadi: Kere Basadi is a temple from the 12th century that is set in the middle of a lake and is a unique work of architecture. This temple is for Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara, and it has a chaturmukha idol that stands for the four directions. You have to take a boat to get to the temple. Rituals and prayers there bring wealth, and a flower falling from the idol’s right side is seen as a blessing.
Other Temples: Neminatha Basadi, dating back to the 9th century, boasts a 70×70 feet dimension with a thatched roof and ornate torana. The Kathale Basadi, Mathada Basadi, and Chandranath Basadi, each dating over a millennium, contribute to the rich tapestry of Jain heritage in Varanga.
Timeless Marvel of Varanga Jain Temple: The Varanga Jain Temple, which is also called the Kere Basadi or Lake Temple, is a timeless wonder that looks like it’s floating on the water. The square-shaped Chaturmukha Basadi was built around 850 years ago and is home to statues of Lords Neminath, Parshwanath, Shantinath, and Ananthanath, as well as Devi Padmavathi.
Not only is the temple religiously important, but its location in the middle of a lake makes it even more appealing. Both pilgrims and tourists find comfort in the spiritual atmosphere and unique setting. With its hundreds of years-old Jain temples, Varanga is a great place to learn about how Jainism changed in the seventh or eighth century.
Discover the rich heritage and cultural tapestry of the Varanga Jain Temple, a captivating destination located in the center of Karnataka. This temple will take you on a journey through time and spirituality as you explore its rich heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How do you get to the Varanga Jain Temple?
- The Varanga Jain Temple, which is also called Kere Basadi or the Lake Temple, is an important place for Jain pilgrims to visit in Karnataka, India. That it is in the middle of a lake makes this temple from the 1200s stand out.
- What is the history of Jainism in Varanga?
- Jainism has roots in Varanga dating back to the 7th century. The region has historical connections with the Alupa dynasty and the Santaras or Bhairaras dynasty, which played crucial roles in shaping the religious landscape of coastal Karnataka.
- When is the best time to visit Varanga Jain Temple?
- The best time to visit Varanga Jain Temple is between October and February. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the temple hosts some of its annual festivals in February and March.
- What are the Varanga Jain Temple Timings?
- The temple opens at 6:00 am and closes at 6:00 pm daily. Specific timings for different days of the week are as follows:
- Saturday: 8am–12pm, 3:30–6pm
- Sunday to Friday: 8am–12pm, 3:30–6pm
- The temple opens at 6:00 am and closes at 6:00 pm daily. Specific timings for different days of the week are as follows:
- How can I reach Varanga Jain Temple?
- Varanga is accessible by air, with Mangaluru International Airport being the nearest airport (approximately 68 km away). The nearest railway station is Udupi (about 40 km away). Road connectivity is available from Shimoga (118 km) and Bangalore (372 km).
- Tell me about the festivals celebrated at Varanga Jain Temple.
- The primary festival is the Rathotsava (chariot festival), held annually in February. Other celebrations include Buta Kola during Navaratri, Dusshera, and Diwali, and a Ratha Yatra on Vijayadashami.
- What is unique about Kere Basadi?
- Kere Basadi is a 12th-century temple situated in the middle of a lake. It is considered unique for its chaturmukha style, having four entrances and a chaturmukha idol representing the four cardinal directions. A boat ride is required to reach the temple.
- Are there other important temples in Varanga?
- Yes, Varanga is home to other significant temples, including Neminatha Basadi, Kathale Basadi, Mathada Basadi, and Chandranath Basadi, dating back over a thousand years.
- What is the significance of the Varanga Jain temple’s location in the lake?
- The Varanga Jain Temple’s location in the middle of a lake adds to its allure. The daily boat ride required for rituals creates a unique and spiritual experience for both pilgrims and tourists.
- Is there an entrance fee to visit Varanga Jain Temple?
- Typically, there is no entrance fee to visit the Varanga Jain Temple. However, it’s advisable to check for any updates or changes before planning your visit.
