Jainism in Karnataka

Karnataka, a state in South India has a long association with Jainism, a religion which enjoyed patronage of major historic kingdoms in the state such as the Western Ganga, Kadamba and Chalukya dynasties and the Hoysala Empire. Today the state is home to a number of Jain monuments, such as temples, Gommaṭa statues and stambhas.
History
Historical association of Jainism with Karnataka dates back to the 2nd century AD. Legend has it that Mahavira (the 24th and last Jain Tirthankara) visited Karnataka and initiated King Jivandhara of Hemanagada country of the Kuntala (Karnataka) region this probably accounts for the early beginnings of Jainism in Karnataka. Acharya Bhadrabahu, of the line of pontiffs started by Mahavira accomponied by his disciple Chandragupta Maurya and followers halted at Chandragiri Hill or Rishigiri. Realising that he was nearing the end of his life, he instructed his disciples to spread the religion and he undertook santhara at Chandragiri...