Credit: Sujay Kumar C
About Navagraha Teertha
One of the major pilgrimage sites for the Jain community,Navagraha Teertha is a magnificent Jain temple located in Varur near Hubli, Karnataka. The temple is located just 17 km from Hubli Junction railway station and is easily accessible to the masses.
Architectural Marvel and Spiritual Hub
On the auspicious day of the Mahamasthabhishekam ceremony, the temple construction was started in 2005 and completed in 2009. During this course,the temple has become a revered place of worship under the supervision of Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj and Sri Dharmasena Bhattaraka Swamiji.
Giant Monolithic Statue
The major attraction of the Navagraha Teertha is a 61-foot-tall monolithic idol of Shri Parshvanatha in the Kayotsarga posture. If you calculate the total height of the 48-foot pedestal, it reaches an awe-inspiring 109 feet. That surpasses the even more renowned Gomestashwara statue in Shravanabelagola. Being one of the tallest statues of the Jain deity Parshavanatha in India, it weighs around 185 tons. I
The temple creates a harmonious blend of spirituality and celestial symbolism through a representation of the nine planets, or grahas. It’s believed that nine worshiping Tirthakaras, corresponding with a planet, alleviate Graha doshas.
Navagraha Representation
The temple’s uniqueness lies in its representation of the nine planets, or Grahas, believed to alleviate Graha doshas. The nine Tirthankaras, each associated with a planet, are worshipped here. The statues are strategically mounted on planet-like structures, creating a harmonious blend of spirituality and celestial symbolism.
Accommodation
For accommodation purposes, the Navagraha Teerth offers free lodging and boarding facilities to visitors. There are numerous rooms with complimentary breakfast and lunch facilities where you can take a rest while visiting the temple. Inspired by the one in Vrindavan , a musical fountain and a garden enhance the overall experience of the visitors.
Facilities for pilgrims
To enhance the pilgrim experience, Yatri Nivas is under construction near the temple, offering free lodging and boarding facilities. Around 50 rooms have been built, and visitors are provided with complimentary breakfast and lunch. Plans for a musical fountain and a garden, inspired by the one in Brindavan, are also in the pipeline.
The best time to visit
For those who are planning to visit, the best time to come is during the Mahamastakabhisheka and Mahavir Jayanti. During Mahamastakabhisheka, a great celebration happens once every 12 years. Similarly, another festival, Navagraha Tirtha,is hosted every nine years, nine months, and nine days.
The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 7.30 p.m., welcoming visitors to soak up its spiritual ambiance.
