The Jains

• Jainism is an Indian religion that encourages pacifism and non-violence towards all living things and contains many elements similar to Hinduism and Buddhism. Historians believe Jainism came to Karnataka sometime between the ninth and sixth centuries B.C. As part of a disciplined and non-violent lifestyle, Jains are typically strict vegetarians and are often restricted in occupations they may follow. The world's nearly 8 million Jains are almost entirely located in India.
  
  

Sitharal Jain Monuments

• Kanyakumari is located at the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula and is the geographical end of the Indian mainland. The Sitharal Jain monuments are some of the oldest and largest Jain monuments still standing. Originally known as Thiruchiranathupalli, they are the remnants of an old settlement dating back to the ninth century that once belonged to Jain monks. Located on a small hill above the settlement is a cave with rock-cut sculptures of the Jain Thirthankaras and attendant deities. The Sitharal monuments are a prominent place of tourism in India.
  
  

Shravanabelagola

• The Jain pilgrimage center of Shravanabelagola contains many original Jain arts. It is also home to a statue of Bahubali, which stands 59 feet high on the top of a hill. About 500 steps lead to the top of the hill. Bahubali is a symbol of eternal value, absolute renunciation detachment and a soul set free from material surroundings. The monolith was thought to be carved around A.D. 980 and is considered a landmark.
  
  

Chandragiri Monuments

• Chandragiri has numerous monuments located at the top of a hill surrounded by a wall. They are thought to be from the third century B.C. when Chandragupta Maurya and his guru Bhadrabahu came here from North India and undertook Sallekhana (inviting death by fasting). There are numerous memorial stones of the Jain ascetics who underwent Sallekhana. The Chandragupta Basti temple was built near the memorials and contains many other idols and pieces of Jain art.