Shravanabelagola Gomateshwara - Hassan, Karnataka
A Jain math/mutt is a place where the propagators of Jainism and their disciples reside and conduct religious activities in an organized manner. In this discipline, the Jain mutt of Shravanabelagola stands foremost. It is a sanctuary that is believed to guard the spiritual values. The only evidence of its origin is found from the writings of munis from 1131 AD. Though later, the site's heritage had its mentionings in various literary works, inscriptions, palm leaves, and manuscripts. Charukeerthi Bhattarakha, the head of the mutt, and the following generations have made such an immense contribution to the center that today it attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world. Poet Chidananda (A.D. 1750) has also cited the mutt in his well-known work ‘Munivamshabhuyudaya’.
The Mutt with elegantly carved front porch and pillars carry rich paintings depicting Jinas and Jaina Kings' lives. There are three cells holding several metals and marble statues. The middle and the right cells have Chandranatha and Neminatha respectively, while the left has figures of Panchaparameshtis, Neminatha, and chauri bearers yaksha with yakshi. Another exciting statue from the place is the one presenting nine deities called the Navadevata idol. The mutt that runs schools with teachings on religious scriptures, houses libraries, hosts religious discourses, and training on religious rituals and ceremonies.
