This idol - which is at least a few centuries old - is referred to by the villagers as ‘kari kallu’ (black stone).

The stone has a figure of a meditating Digambara, and the base has lions and elephants embossed on it. The upper half of the statue has a carving two beautiful women waving a fan. This beautiful idol has been left to brave the sun, rain and wind, thanks to the negligence of the people.

Ganga period

Researcher Prof K R Narasimhan said that this idol of Parshwanath belongs to the period of the Gangas. “If it is researched thoroughly, then it might shed more light on the Jain religion in this region,” he adds.

The remains of a temple can also be seen at the spot where the idol lies. Though the idol has been lying there for a while now, no one has bothered about it, say villagers.

Many ancient tombstones have been unearthed in the areas surrounding Gandlahalli village - and whether the now-abandoned idol of Parshwanath is in any way connected to those, only historians can tell.