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Jain Basadis of Karnataka – Mirroring Lives!

By Shruthi

Around 8th century, Jainism became popular in Karnataka when Jain Basadis (i.e., monasteries or temples) were built in many parts of the state. The patrons of Jainism in Karnataka were mainly the Kadambas, the Gangas followed by the Chalukyas and then the Rashtrakutas.

In the 10th century when Buddhism was reigning all over India, the great Mauryan Emperor, Chandragupta surrendered to his Jain teacher Bhadrabahu at Shravanabelagola. In his memory, one of the two hills at Shravanabelagola is called Chandragiri and the other Indragiri.

North Karnataka is a major Jain belt that has numerous Jain Basadis set amidst picturesque scenery. Pillars being the main motif of Jain architecture, intricately carved stone iconography and larger than life statues make for an interesting trip though the major Jain basadis of Karnataka.

Shravanabelagola, Devotion in Restraint

Shravanabelagola, Devotion in Restraint

It's ironical that to catch a glimpse of the tallest monolithic statue in Asia requires a 600 steps patient climb up the Vindhyagiri hills. The Gomateshwara statue stands as a placid tribute to King Bahubali who left his riches to take up an ascetic life. The serene and proportional image of the statue numbs tension to add devotion.

Moodabidri, the Jain Varanasi

Moodabidri, the Jain Varanasi

35 km to the northeast of Mangalore is the town popularly known as the Jain Varanasi of South India, Moodabidri. There are a total of 18 tranquil basadis set in the backdrop of the rolling Western Ghats. Most basadis are built in white marble on the inside and with stone carvings on the outside. In pic is the Chandraprabha Swami Badaga Basadi in Moodabidri.

Pillars of Faith

Pillars of Faith

Dating from 1430, the Chandranatha Basadi also known as the thousand pillar basadi is the finest piece of Jain architecture around Moodabidri. Did you know that no two pillars are identical here? Each pillar has a different carving narrating a different story.

Karkala, the Spiritual Sublime

Karkala, the Spiritual Sublime

The second tallest Gomateshwara statue is located on the outskirts of Karkala. This 42-ft statue was installed in the year 1432. There are several basadis here including Chaturmukha Thirthankara Basadi, Hiriyangaddi Neminatha Basadi and Anekere Padmavathi Basadi.

Doorway to Divinity

Doorway to Divinity

A lofty pilgrim centre of the Jains stands elegantly amidst pleasing greens of the Western Ghats. 108 polished pillars support the structure of Chaturmukha Basadi in Karkala, Mangalore. Peace and awe are two definite experiences here.

Pattadakal, Set Apart in Time and Space

Pattadakal, Set Apart in Time and Space

According to most historians, built during the Rashtrakuta rule in the 9th century, there's a Jaina temple in Pattadakal set apart in time and space from all the Brahminical structures around. Locally called the Jaina Naryana, this temple shrine is rarely ever taken note of in the larger belt of Jain architecture.

Badami-Aihole, Jaina Cave Temples

Badami-Aihole, Jaina Cave Temples

The Badami Chalukyas are known for rock-cut and structural temples. The fourth cave in the Badami cave temples is dedicated to Mahavira. The one at Aihole has in the garbhagriha an idol of Mahavira sitting in the yogic Padmasana posture.

Lakkundi, Architectural Progress

Lakkundi, Architectural Progress

The Kalyani Chalukyas were known for rethinking architectural details. The Jain basadi at Lakkundi built by queen Attimabbe uses fine grained schist instead of the usual granite used in previous Jain basadis.

Hadavalli, Melody of the Past

Hadavalli, Melody of the Past

Hadavalli is historically known as Sangeetapura. It is said that it was a lively abode of musicians and also a thriving centre for art and architecture. The are many Jain basadis in Hadavalli. The most important would be the Chandranatha basadi which dates back to the 14th century when Hadavalli was the capital of Salva dynasty. The basadi is said to have been built in the Vijayanagara style with 24 pillars supporting the structure.

There are several other historically significant Jain Basadis especially in North Karnataka. And in other parts of Karnataka are some newly sprung Basadis that reflect Jainism's growing popularity.

Read more about: temples shravanabelagola udupi
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