Meguti Jain Temple, Aihole, Karnataka

Meguti Jain Temple, Aihole, Karnataka

Meguti Jain Temple is a Jain Temple dedicated to Jain Tirthankara Mahavira, located on the banks of the Malaprabha river in Aihole, an historical town, in Bagalkot District in Karnataka, India. The Temple is situated on the top of the Meguti Hill, surrounded by the Aihole fort. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The Temple was constructed by Ravikeerti in 634 CE during the reign of Chalukyan Emperor Pulikesi II. Ravikeerti was a commander, minister and accomplished poet in the court of Chalukyan Emperor Pulikesi II. This Temple is the only dated monument in Aihole. The temple is famous for its Aihole Prashasti inscription. This inscription is engraved on the eastern wall of the shrine. It is written in Sanskrit language and old Kannada script.

It is dated to Saka 556 (634 CE). It is a poem in a variety of Sanskrit meter by Ravikeerti. This inscription has initial verses dedicated to Lord Jina’s eulogy. The inscription provides the genealogy of Chalukyan dynasty starting from Jayasimha, Ranaraga, Kirtivarman, Pulikesi I and Pulikesi II. It further gives an account of the exploits of his royal patron. Ravikeerti compared himself with Kalidasa and Bharavi in poetic skills and fame in the inscription.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2022/04/meguti-jain-temple-aihole-temple.html

Connectivity

The temple complex is located at about 750 meters from Aihole Bus Stand. The Temple can be accessed through flight of steps from a lane running besides the Mallikarjuna Temple Complex. Aihole is located at about 13 Kms from Pattadakal, 30 Kms from Badami Railway Station, 33 Kms from Bagalkot Junction Railway Station, 34 Kms from Badami, 38 Kms from Bagalkot, 88 Kms from Gadag, 136 Kms from Hubballi Airport, 164 Kms from Belgaum Airport, 277 Kms from Goa and 446 Kms from Bengaluru. Aihole is situated on Pattadakal to Amingad route.

Location