Ganagitti Jain Temple

Ganagitti Jain Temple in Hampi is dedicated to Kunthunatha, the 17th Tirthankara, and is among the oldest Jain shrines in the area. It dates from 1386, early in the Vijayanagara period, and was built by Irugappa, also called Iruga, a minister under Bukka Raya II.

The plan is simple: an antarala, an ardha mantapa and a maha mantapa lead to the garbhagriha. The original image has gone, but the stone pedestal it stood on remains, and a tall pillar cut from a single stone stands at the site. Jain tradition says Kunthunatha was born in Hastinapur to King Surya and Queen Shridevi of the Ikshvaku line, and attained moksha on Mount Shikharji. The quiet grounds attract birds such as sunbirds, orioles and kingfishers.