Varanga Lake Jain Temple

Overview

Kere Basadi is a 12th-century temple, considered to be unique for being situated in the middle of a lake. The mulnayak of the temple is Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara. The temple is built in chaturmukha style, having four entrance and a chaturmukha idol with images of Parshvanatha, Neminatha, Shantinatha, and Anantanatha representing the four cardinal direction. The temple also houses an idol of Padmavati. According to beliefs, performing puja (praying) here brings prosperity. There is also a ritual for people to visit the shrine before marriage. As per popular belief, the falling of flower from the right side of the idol is a blessing. One has to take a boat to reach the temple. Anekere village of Hassan district has a replica of this shrine erected in the 15th century.