Top Ten Articles on Jainism

By Kunal Bhatia

Lying to the north-east of Mangalore, in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, Moodabidri derives its name from two words: moodu meaning east and bidru meaning bamboo, a reference to the abundant bamboo trees that once grew here. Jainism flourished in this region from the 14th – 16th century CE, because of patronage from the local rulers. In fact, Moodabidri is often referred to as the Jain Kashi of south India, a testimony to its 18 Jain basadis (temples).
The most prominent of the basadis is the Tribhuvana Tilaka Chudamani basadi, the largest, the most ornate and the most visited. Built with the support of the local ruler - Devaraja Woodeyar of Nagamangala, Jain monks, the wealthy Jain merchant class and the common people, this temple-complex resembles a mini-fortification. On stepping in, one is confronted by a 15-metre high monolithic stone pillar, called the manastambha, topped by a square canopy.

While most Jain temples are associated with marble, this 1430 temple is built of local granite. In front of the sanctum sanctorum, there are three mandapas (gathering halls), adorned with numerous pillars. The sheer number of stone pillars and the fact that no two are identical has earned the temple the title of ‘the 1000-pillared Temple’. While we didn’t count the actual number of pillars, we did pray before the beautiful 2-metre high 5-metal sculpture of Chandranatha, in the midst of melodious chants by devotees. An air of tranquillity prevails in the serene surroundings, except on major festivals.

On the upper level are other smaller shrines, including one that holds dozens of idols of Jain tirthankars, a spell binding sight. Non-Jains may not be permitted upstairs, look out for the signboard.

The actual surprise however presents itself on walking along the periphery of the main temple. Above the main sanctum rises a double-volume with slanting walls made of wooden slats. And its’ all painted red, giving it a far-eastern look, very different from any other Jain temple! This architectural feature makes one wonder about the cultural-exchanges that must have taken place during those times. And sure enough, a closer look reveals figures of dragons and giraffes in the midst of yakshas and yakshis; indicating strong trade-ties between the Jain merchants of South India and China and Africa.

Other Attractions
Chowta Palace is the 17th century palace of the then ruling Jain family. Though much of it has been overtaken by vegetation, it’s still worth a visit for its wooden screens and carvings. Of the six original houses, only two have survived today: of which one is falling apart, and the other houses the descendants of the royal family!

Guru Basadi and Ammanavara Basadi are the other famous Jain basadis in Moodabidri. Guru Basadi is said to be the oldest one, and houses rare 12th century Jain palm-leaf manuscripts known as ‘Dhvala’ texts. On the outskirts of the town are the ancient Gowri and Kantharva temples. Along Naravi Road, one can visit Konaje Kallu, a large granite monolith, the twin peaks of which were referred to as Ass’s ears by early British sailors. The spot also offers some short hiking and bird watching possibilities.

Fact File
Getting there Moodabidri is a comfortable 40km (90 mins) journey from Mangalore city. Private buses leave Mangalore’s State Bank Bus Stand every 15 minutes. The road journey is a pleasant one, over many winding hills and through green coconut and banana plantations. The nearest railway station as well as airport is in Mangalore city.
Best time to visit is winter, from November to February

Tribhuvana Tilaka Choodamani glitters again

By Team Mangalorean
MOODBIDRI May 24, 2008:

The Basadi houses the Chandranatha and Aadinatha Shrines. The construction began in 1430 by the Jain math of Moodbidri on a land given by Devaraja Odeya, a chieftain of Vijayanagara king Devaraya II. The "mukha mantapa" was built in 1451 and the 50 ft high "manasthamba" in 1461. Apart from "garba gudi", the basadi has five mantapas.

According to the government sources the restoration of the Basadi was done recently at a cost of Rs. 1 crore. Of that, Rs. 79.50 lakh has been spent. The money spent included Rs. 32 lakh released by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Rs. 43 lakh from the Jain math which covered grants from donors and Rs. 4.50 lakh from the Department of Tourism. The Department of Tourism had released the amount for arranging the lighting facility in the basadi.

As part of the rituals, a 1,008 kalasha abhisheka will be performed to the statue of Chandranatha Swamy in May during which month the Basadi will be fully lit.

Tribhuvana Tilaka Choodamani gets new roof

By Team Mangalorean

MOODBIDRI

39 kilometers from Mangalore this Jain Kashi is an uncrowned world heritage site. It might not have the tag but the entire town is filled with sites that could easily become India’s heritage showcase. Fortunately one of the sites, the well known Tribhuvana Tilaka Choodamani also known as 1000 pillar Basadi or Chandranatha Basadi has been adapted by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) for conservation.

The two story structure built in granite in 1430 by Vijayanagar empire in typical Vijayanagar style of architecture had been taken up by the INTACH for re-setting and re-laying of the roof at a cost of Rs. 5,00,000/-. The Vijayanagar architecture marvels that could be seen everywhere in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts has a typical feature of roofs covered with bronze plates. The intricate work of teak wood girders covered by either jack or teak wood plates and further covered by the treated bronze plates. These plates protect the woodwork.

The use of local materials and traditional technologies must invariably be preferred. Their choice must be based on the availability of traditional knowledge systems. Modern substitutes should be considered only after their use is proven efficient and judicious, and must not compromise the integrity and continuity of local building traditions.

It is necessary to recognise that the use of certain traditional building materials may be inadvisable on account of the damage this can cause to the natural ecological systems. Thus the use of shell lime in coastal areas and wood generally may need to be judicially substituted with alternate materials says the Charter of the INTACH.

The local committee of the Dakshina Kannada chapter of INTACH headed by the Deputy Commissioner has visited the site and has expressed satisfaction over the work. Swamiji of the Jaina Math of Moodbidri Panditacharyavarya Charukirti Bhattaraka Swamiji has also expressed satisfaction over the work. Workers from Kerala and Dakshina Kannada have worked on this marvel of a structure.

According to the MLA of Moodbidri Abhayachandra Jain the state government had released earlier Rs. 5 lakhs for fixing lights for the structure and the INTACH work has been fully sponsored by the Central Government he added. Efforts are also on to have a light and sound programme on the site.

Kamal Basadi of Belgaum

Belgaum is home to many ancient Jain temples. Of them all, KamalBasadi, is definitely worth a visit, writes Naushad Bijapur.

Known as the Sugar Bowl of Karnataka, Belgaum city has an enviableheritage and presents much to be discovered. It lies in the zone ofcultural transition between Kamataka, Maharashtra and Goa with aknown antiquity clearly traceable up to second century AD.This fast developing district headquarters is a picture of contrasts.While on one side is the old town area where cotton and silk weaversstill create the famous sarees, on the other side is the modern,bustling, tree-lined cantonment built by the British. Over severaldecades, monuments of historical importance at the Belgaum cantonmenthave been attracting tourists in large numbers. The Belgaum forttakes center stage, and at the Fort entrance are two shrines, onededicated to Lord Ganapathi, and the other to Goddess Durga.KAMAL BASADI: Within the walls of the fort is Kamal Basadi, ahistoric, Chalukya style Jain temple. A fabulous Neminatha idol inblack stone, found in this temple, is one of the greatest creationsof history. The masterpiece of this temple is the "Mukhamantapa" witha well executed lotus on its ceiling.

For long, Belgaum has been a famous centre for Jains and is home tomany ancient Jain temples. The trend of constructing Jain temples inthis region started during the period of Chalukyas of Kalyana whowere the Chief power in the Deccan from the 10th to 12th century.Innovative builders, their influence continued to inspire the otherdynasties like the Hoysalas, Gangas, Kadambas and Rattas too,resulting in many Jain temples in and around Belgaum.Presently under the jurisdiction of the Archeological Department,Kamal Basdi is so called because of the dome (Gumbaj) of the templewhich is constructed in the form of a lotus made out of 72 petals.The past, present and future 24 Tirthankars of each period are shownon the 72 petals of the lotus flower.

The stone carved Sinhasan of Bhagwan Neminath is very artistic. Thepillars of the temple are decorated with carvings and are brightlypolished. As per historical findings, the idol of Bhagwan Neminathawas found in the forest about 200 years ago. The history of idols andother statues of this temple can be traced back to 11th century AD.Attractive idols of Bhagwan Sumatinath in the kayotsarga posture,idol of Bhagwan Parshwanatha under the shade of seven-hooded Nagaraj,idol of Bhagwan Adinath in the padmasana posture and the idol ofNavagraha can also be seen in this temple.

Raju Doddannavar, a member of the noted Doddannavar family ofBelgaum, which is taking care of Kamal Basadi for almost 100 yearsnow, says, "The prayers at this temple have hardly stopped ever sinceit was built centuries ago. Though the British stopped the pooja atthe temple in the 1940s, my great grandfather Basappa Doddannavar andmy grandfather Ramachandra Doddannavar, used to squeeze into thetemple from one corner to offer prayers.''

He said his was the fourth generation to take care of the temple. TheArchaeological Department took up the total renovation of this templein 1996 and did it without disturbing its original plans and shape.The temple has gained prominence in the recent years owing to thevisit of noted Jain munis. Tarun Sagar Maharaj, a noted Jain saint,often visits the fort locality and gives discourses. The templemanagement has also started constructing a Muni Nivas at the premisesof Kamal Basadi to house Jain swamis.