Ganagitti Temple is one of the earliest structures constructed in Hampi during the Vijayanagara Empire. The Ganagitti temple is also known by many other names such as Kunthunatha Jain Temple and The Oil-Woman Temple.
The temple was built by Iruguppa Dandanayaka, also known as Iruga, a minister of Bukkaraya II during the reign of the King Harihara II in the Vijayanagara Empire.
Built in 1385-1386, the temple is located near the Bhima’s Gate and is dedicated to Tirthankara Kunthunatha, the 17th Tirthankara. It faces north and has a monolithic deepa sthamba (lamp post) in the front.
It has plain walls, a pillared mantapa, and a square garbha griha (sanctum) from which the Jina’s statue is missing. There are capitals on the pillars and the doorways have decoration. The temple is adorned with a Dravidian style, narrowing square, pyramidal tower. Other monuments in the temple compound are in ruins.
