English: Ganigitti temple means ‘the oil women’s temple’! The reason for the curious name is unknown. There is the main temple and a small shrine adjacent to it. In front of the main temple is the Stumbha (lamp post) with inscription on it. The temple is dedicated to Kunthunatha, the 17th Thirthankara (Fordmaker) of Jainism.

Inscription in the courtyard of Ganigitti temple.

Inscription in the courtyard of Ganigitti temple. It says the temple was commissioned in 1386 AD by Irugappa, a general of Harihara II.

The inscription says the temple was built in AD 1386. Irugua, the commander in chief of Harihara II, commissioned the temple.

The sanctorum doesn’t contain the idol. However the parapet above the temple spots the stucco image of the Jain saint. This is a typical example of the early Vijayanagara architecture.

The Bhima’s Gate just behind the temple complex is an attraction worth a quick short trip. The large monolithic lamp post is a highlight.Courtesy hampi.in