About Varanga Jain Temple
Shri Varanga Jain Temple, located in Udupi, Karnataka, is a historic and spiritual landmark that holds immense significance for Jain devotees. This ancient temple is known for its serene surroundings, intricate architecture, and deep-rooted heritage. One of its main attractions is the Kere Basadi, a stunning temple situated in the middle of a lake, adding to its mystical charm. The temple is dedicated to Lord Neminatha, the 22nd Tirthankara of Jainism, and attracts visitors seeking peace and devotion.
Description: The temple is uniquely located on a small hill overlooking the serene Varanga Lake, offering a picturesque setting. The complex includes the main temple for Lord Neminath and smaller shrines for other Tirthankaras. A notable architectural feature is the presence of 365 intricately carved stone pillars, each representing a day of the year and adorned with images of deities, animals, and other designs. The temple built in the 12th century is a Chaturmukha Basadi, a four-faced symmetrical structure. It houses idols of Bhagwan Neminath, Parsvanatha, Bhagavan Shantinath, and Bhagwan Ananthanatha. The main idol of the Kere Basadi is the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha, with an idol of Padmavati in front. The temple is situated in the middle of a lake and is accessible only by boat.
Specialty: One of the primary specialties of the Varanga Jain Temple is its unique location in the middle of a lake, requiring a boat ride to reach it, which adds to its peaceful and distinctive atmosphere. The temple's historical significance dates back over 850 years. The annual Varanga Mahothsava festival, held around February or March, is a major event attracting many pilgrims and featuring cultural activities and traditional Jain rituals. The temple's architecture, including the 365 carved pillars and the Chaturmukha Basadi structure, is also considered a significant specialty.
Key Attractions:
Kere Basadi (Lake Temple) – A 12th-century temple, uniquely situated in the middle of a lake. It features a chaturmukha (four-faced) idol of Tirthankaras: Parshvanatha, Neminatha, Shantinatha, and Anantanatha.
Neminatha Basadi – A 9th-century temple, houses a 5-foot black idol of Lord Neminatha in the padmasana posture and a 45-foot monolithic pillar.
Matada Basadi – Dedicated to Lord Chandraprabha, the eighth Tirthankara, with over a thousand years of history.
Description: The temple is uniquely located on a small hill overlooking the serene Varanga Lake, offering a picturesque setting. The complex includes the main temple for Lord Neminath and smaller shrines for other Tirthankaras. A notable architectural feature is the presence of 365 intricately carved stone pillars, each representing a day of the year and adorned with images of deities, animals, and other designs. The temple built in the 12th century is a Chaturmukha Basadi, a four-faced symmetrical structure. It houses idols of Bhagwan Neminath, Parsvanatha, Bhagavan Shantinath, and Bhagwan Ananthanatha. The main idol of the Kere Basadi is the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha, with an idol of Padmavati in front. The temple is situated in the middle of a lake and is accessible only by boat.
Specialty: One of the primary specialties of the Varanga Jain Temple is its unique location in the middle of a lake, requiring a boat ride to reach it, which adds to its peaceful and distinctive atmosphere. The temple's historical significance dates back over 850 years. The annual Varanga Mahothsava festival, held around February or March, is a major event attracting many pilgrims and featuring cultural activities and traditional Jain rituals. The temple's architecture, including the 365 carved pillars and the Chaturmukha Basadi structure, is also considered a significant specialty.
Key Attractions:
Temple Details
Location: Varanga, Udupi District, Karnataka
Coordinates: 13.4067° N, 75.0060° E
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sevas: Regular poojas, rituals, and special prayers available upon request.
Entry Fee: Free, but a nominal fee is charged for the boat ride to Kere Basadi.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Travel and Accessibility
By Road:
Well connected to Udupi (40 km), Karkala (26 km), and Moodabidri (39 km).
Private buses available from Udupi and Karkala.
Taxis and auto-rickshaws available for local travel.
By Train:
Nearest Railway Station: Udupi Railway Station (39 km)
Another option: Mangalore Junction (72 km)
From these stations, taxis and buses are available to Karkala, from where you can reach Varanga.
By Air:
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport (72 km)
From the airport, taxis and buses connect to Karkala and Udupi.
Accommodation and Food Facilities
Stay Facilities
Limited lodges in Varanga.
Best options available in Karkala (26 km), Udupi (40 km), and Moodabidri (39 km):
Budget Lodges: Jain Dharmashalas in Karkala and Moodabidri.
Hotels: Fortune Inn Valley View (Udupi), White Lotus Hotel (Udupi), and Chaturmukha Jain Dharmashala (Karkala).
Food Facilities
Temple Prasadam: Available during prayer hours.
Nearby Restaurants: Karkala and Udupi have multiple pure vegetarian and Jain food options:
Mitra Samaj (Udupi) – Famous for Udupi Dosa.
Woodlands Hotel (Udupi) – Authentic South Indian meals.
Diana Restaurant (Udupi) – Popular for thalis and sweets.
Nearby Transport Hubs
Nearest Railway Station: Udupi (39 km)
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport (72 km)
Nearest Bus Station: Karkala, Udupi, and Moodabidri provide bus services.
Nearby Attractions
Jain Temples
Chaturmukha Basadi (Karkala, 26 km) – A unique four-faced Jain temple.
Gomateshwara Statue (Karkala, 26 km) – A 42-feet monolithic Bahubali statue.
Thousand Pillars Temple (Moodabidri, 39 km) – Known as the "Jain Kashi".
Hindu Temples
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha (40 km) – A major Hindu pilgrimage site.
Anantheshwara Temple (Udupi, 40 km) – A 1000-year-old Shiva temple.
Kudroli Gokarnath Temple (Mangalore, 72 km) – Dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Nature & Scenic Places
Agumbe (50 km) – Known as the "Cherrapunji of the South".
Malpe Beach (45 km) – Famous for water sports and scenic beauty.
Kudremukh National Park (80 km) – A paradise for trekkers and nature lovers.
Best Time to Visit
October – February (Pleasant weather)
June – September (Lush greenery, but heavy rains)
March – May (Hot, best avoided)
Shopping & Local Specialties
Karkala & Moodbidri: Jain religious books, stone sculptures, and wooden idols.
Udupi: Authentic masalas, spices, banana chips, and handwoven sarees.
Mangalore: Cashew nuts, sandalwood items, and traditional handicrafts.
Shri Varanga Jain Temple is not just a place of worship but also a testament to the rich Jain heritage in Karnataka. Its tranquil ambiance, combined with its historical and architectural beauty, makes it a must-visit destination for spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you are drawn by faith or fascinated by cultural landmarks, this temple offers a unique and enriching experience.
Shri Varanga Jain Temple is not just a place of worship but also a testament to the rich Jain heritage in Karnataka. Its tranquil ambiance, combined with its historical and architectural beauty, makes it a must-visit destination for spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you are drawn by faith or fascinated by cultural landmarks, this temple offers a unique and enriching experience.
