Beauty of Varanga Jain Temple

Varanga, a small village in Karkala taluk of Udupi district in Karnataka, is home to the ancient Varanga Jain temple that is 800 to 1000 years old.

This 12th-century temple is known as Kere Basadi (water temple) since it is situated in the middle of a lake. Because it contains a chaturmukha (4-faced) idol of a Tirthankara, the temple is also known as Chaturmukha Basadi. It is dedicated to the Jain Lord Parshwanatha. The temple is located 26 kilometers from Karkala.

The stunning Kere Basadi of Varanga, also called the Shri Parshwanatha Basadi, is located in the middle of a calm lake that is teeming with water lilies. The 23rd Tirthankara, Shri Parshwanath, is the primary god worshipped here. The Jain idols shown here, as in other Chaturmukha Basadis, are arranged with their faces directed towards four distinct entrances, namely the north, east, south, and west.

Parshwanatha, Shanthinatha, Ananthanatha, and Neminatha are all represented in the Kayotsarga position in their respective representations. On the front is a picture of Goddess Padmavathi, the Yakshi of Lord Parshwanath.

History of the Temple:

The Varanga Jain Temple, located in the center of Bengaluru, Karnataka, commemorates the region's rich Jain heritage. Its origins dates back to the 15th century, when there was a lot of Jain activity in the area. The temple is thought to have been built by the Jain community's Vrishabha clan, which is recognized for supporting the arts and culture.

The Varanga Jain Temple is thought to have been founded by Varanga, a wealthy Jain merchant. According to legend, Varanga had a dream in which the Tirthankara Bahubali appeared and urged him to build a temple in his honor. Varanga, inspired by this divine vision, set out to discover an appropriate location for the temple.

Varanga was located in a tranquil and peaceful position amidst abundant flora, which he believed was the appropriate location for the temple. He commissioned experienced artisans and builders to create a magnificent temple complex with elaborate carvings, sculptures, and stained glass windows.

The temple took several years to build, with contributions from many followers and sponsors. Following its completion, the Varanga Jain Temple became a well-known center of Jain worship and a pilgrimage destination for devotees from all over.

Mythological Aspects

The Varanga Jain Temple honors Tirthankara Bahubali, the 23rd Jain Tirthankara. Bahubali is regarded as a symbol of great power, self-control, and asceticism. According to Jain mythology, he abandoned his realm and fought a terrible struggle with his brother, Bharata, over his father's land.

After conquering Bharata, Bahubali recognized the folly of earthly pursuits and adopted the Jain path of nonviolence and spiritual emancipation. He endured a period of rigorous penance, standing naked in the forest for 12 years, exposed to nature. This act of self-discipline gained him much respect and devotion from the Jain community.

An Overview of Varanga Jain Temple

Varanga Jain Temple is said to be one of the oldest Jain temples in this area, with a long and ancient history. Varanga Raya, a king, established the Neminatha Temple of Varanga. The Varanga Jain Matha is a branch of the Humcha Jain Matha.

Humcha, also called Hombuja, is a historic Jain Heritage Center with a history that dates back to the 17th century CE. The Santara Jain dynasty of Karnataka, a kingdom of the Kalyani Chalukya, Rashtrakoota, Hoysala, and eventually the Vijayanagara Kingdom, had Hombuja as its capital.

The Santaras cherished much autonomy even though they were under the Vijayanagara kingdom. Karkala became subordinate to the Alupas, who subsequently gave it to the Santaras. The Bhairarasa dynasty ruled Karkala, with King Veera Bhairarasa (1390–1420 CE) being the first notable member of the dynasty. Nonetheless, the Varanga temples were constructed at least a century before the Bhairarasas, meaning that they were built before the ones constructed by the Jain kings of Moodabidri and Karkala.

Festivals Celebrated:

The Varanga Jain Temple organizes various important Jain festivals throughout the year. Some of the more important ones are:

Mahamastakabhisheka: The Mahamastakabhisheka is a spectacular event done every 12 years at the Varanga Jain Temple to bathe the magnificent statue of Bahubali with sacred elements. This pilgrimage attracts Jains from all over the world looking for blessings and spiritual liberation. The event includes complex preparations and procedures, which culminate in the statue's bathing. Chanting, praying, and fasting are all practices among devotees. The Mahamastakabhisheka demonstrates the Jain community's continuous faith and commitment.

Paryushan Parva: The Paryushan Parva is a ten-day fasting, prayer, and contemplation festival celebrated by Jains to purify their spirits and ask forgiveness. It is a time for spiritual cleaning and self-reflection, during which Jains attempt to overcome bad emotions like anger, pride, and greed.

During the Paryushan Parva, Jains adhere to a stringent fasting regimen, refraining from particular foods and even water for varied durations of time. They practice intensive prayer and meditation, emphasizing on their spiritual development and relationship to the divine. The festival also promotes acts of generosity and service to others as a way to purify the soul and foster compassion.

Kartik Poornima: Kartik Poornima, also known as Diwali or Deepavali, is a prominent Jains' holiday that takes place on the full moon night of the Hindu month of Kartik. This fortunate day commemorates the birth of Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara and progenitor of the Jain faith.

On Kartik Poornima, Jain temples are illuminated and decorated to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and wisdom over ignorance. Devotees participate in a variety of religious rites, including fasting, prayers, and charitable acts. The event is also a time for family reunions, joyous celebrations, and goodwill.