Mahavir Jayanti 2023: Saavira Kambada Basadi ( Thousand Pillar Temple) In Moodabidri

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Located near the coastal town of Mangalore in Karnataka Moodabidri is a much revered centre for Jain studies. Moodabidri, also called Mudbidri, Moodbiri and Bedra, is a small town situated North east of South Kanara, Mangalore. Correctly addressed as Jain Kashi, this temple is home to 18 Basadis one of which is the most famous Basadi namely Saavira Kambada Basadi. This is one of the most popular Basadis amongst the 18 Basadis.

The Tuglaq dynasty had demolished this basadi during their reign but in 2004, it was renovated by the Government of India. Built by the local chieftain, Devaraya Wodeyar in 1430, it took 31 years to complete, and additional structures were raised in 1962. The 50 feet tall monolith called manasthambha was built by Karkala Bhairava Queen Nagala Devi.

Moodbidri is a heritage city which is mystically connected with Number 18. You can find 18 temples, and 18 roads that connect to surrounding villages. There are 18 lakes, and 18 Jain Basadis to complete the picture here. Naturally it is no wonder that this place is called Jain Kashi.

This town, due to its predominant bamboo plantations, came to be known as Mooda bidri, which when translated means, mooda - east, and bidri -bamboo.

Saavira Kambada Basadi Or Thousand Pillars Temple

Saavira Kambada Basadi, otherwise known as Chandranatha Basadi is a Basadi with 7 mantapas. The perfectly symmetirical sculptures and structures carved with exact measurements beats the scientific logic. Out of the thousand pillars with exquisite carvings, no two pillars are the same. You can see a Mahastambha which is a 50 ft tall monolith installed opposite to the temple. The oldest and the most sought after temple after the Savira kambada basadit is the Guru Basadi or Siddhant temple. Math heads are appointed through a process here.

Timings

Main Deity of this temple is Chandranatha swamy. One can visit this temple within 2 hours duration. There is no entry fee levied on visitors. December to March is the best time to visit. Temple is open between 9 am to 8 pm.

Architecture

Saavira Kambada Basadi, a structure with tall pillars is also known as Tribhuvana Tilaka Chudamani Basadi.With pillars to support the mandapa, and the carvings and designs hold you thrilled and enthralled. Despite the ignorance about modern techniques they have been built in perfect measurements. Carvings on the pillars inspired by mythical animals convey the ancient art and culture of ancient times.

The Basadi took 31 years to get completed. Manastambha, the tall pillar facing the temples, and the prayers halls were built later. This temple has three floors the third of which opens annually once. Inner sanctum of this Basadi has an 8 feet tall Parshvanatha vigraha which is made in panchaloha. Pillars are made of granite and there are two stone chandeliers that defy gravity and time.

Historical Significance

This temple is known to have been patronized by the Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, Alupa and the Hoysala. From Shravana belagola, the sacred jain lore was moved to Moodabidri which is also an important pilgrimage centre for jains.

These writings originally written in Prakrit were translated to the local language Kannada in the ancient kannada script.They have been written on palm leaves, and date back to 1060 AD.

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