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Humcha Padmavati Temple

An 8th-century Jain pilgrimage centre at Hombuja, once the capital of the Santara dynasty

CategoryFort & Temple
TalukHosanagara
DistanceAbout 20 km from Hosanagara town
Best timeOctober–March

Humcha, also known as Hombuja, was once the capital of the Santara dynasty, and its Sri Padmavati Temple and Parshwanatha Basadi — both dating to the 8th century CE — remain among the most important Jain pilgrimage sites in Karnataka. Goddess Padmavati, worshipped here as a guardian deity, draws pilgrims from well outside the district.

Beyond the main temple complex, the village itself is worth a slow walk — smaller basadis, old inscriptions and monuments are scattered across Humcha, remnants of its centuries as a centre of Jain culture and learning.

Highlights

  • Dates to the 8th century CE, founded when the Santara dynasty made Humcha (Hombuja) their capital
  • The Sri Padmavati Temple and Sri Parshwanatha Basadi are among Karnataka's most significant Jain shrines
  • Numerous smaller basadis, inscriptions and monuments are scattered across the village

Getting there

No direct Malnad Yatra bus route covers Thirthahalli–Hosanagara yet; Humcha is reached via Hosanagara by private vehicle.