Dakshina Kannada district is a beautiful destination that entices people around the world with the charm of its inclusive rich culture and tradition.  It also has the most ancient temples, lovely beaches, and amazing cuisine – both vegetarian and non-vegetarian.

It is a place that has provided adequate independent space for spirituality, education, Finance, and industry.  For many who are spiritually inclined, it is the place of ancient temples and modern spirituality as in the Savira Kambada Basadi; a magnificent 1000 pillared temple and Dharmasthala.

This article is focussed on the Savira Kambada Basadi located in a town called Moodbidri, located 35 km away from Mangalore, also known as Jaina Kashi or the Kashi of the south.

It is one of the most attractive places of worship in India and of course of tourism. The Sri Jain Mata’s Swasthi Shri Charukirthi Bhattaraka Swamiji told Newskarnataka.com that the Savira Kambada Basadi was awarded the 3^rd place after the Ranakpur Jain temple and Dilwara Jain temple in Rajasthan in terms of architectural importance by Delhi Jain Sons.

The Rashtrapathi Bhavan, that magnificent building in our National Capital that houses the Commander in Chief of India’s Armed Forces, the President, is said to be inspired in part by the architecture of this temple.  Designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker in 1929, the Viceroy Bhavan was renamed the Rashtrapathi Bhavan when Babu Rajendra Prasad became the first President of India. 

The history of a legend!

The Saavira Kambada Basadi is the largest and most majestic Jain temple in Moodbidri. It was in 1430 A.D, that Devaraya Wodeyar, a local chieftain masterminded its construction.

The beauty of this temple lies in the tall pillars that stand and support a 3-story temple, along with a pillared courtyard inside it.

The temple is also known as Chandranatha Temple since it honours the Tirthankara Chandraprabha, whose eight-foot idol is worshipped at the shrine.

The temple is like any other temple, but different in some ways. Its stone walls and pillars support a sloped roof topped with tiles, just like any other temple. Beautiful elephants are carved into the railings of the stairs that lead to the porch of the temple.

There are stone carvings on the sides, with the view of the 60ft monolith Manasthambha. The carving embellished pillars will instantly catch your attention as you walk in and try to visualize the beauty and patience of the hands that made them.

7 mandapas in symmetry with distinct carvings will make you feel as though you have reached heaven. Legend has it that the pillars hold many secret stories of the times.

Visitors can offer prayers in the temple, but the upper stories are only open to the Jain pilgrims.

That such architectural marvels could be created in those ancient times is something to behold and learn from. That is why it is known as the Tribhuvana Tilaka Chudamani; the Crest-jewel of three worlds.

The cultural heritage of Moodbidri

India is a diverse country not only in its demography but also its geo and topography.  In addition, it has a civilization that has continuously inhabited this geography for thousands of years – therefore it also has a rich and varied history and culture. This makes travel within the country a mesmerizing experience.

Karnataka too is blessed with this variance and history and makes it one of the hot spots of tourism in the country. And Moodabidri falls into the category of ancient that is just breaking into the modern with educational institutions and resorts.

It is a temple town that has an intriguing connectivity with the number 18 – 18 temples, 18 roads that connect the different villages, 18 lakes, and 18 Jain Basadis.

Located about 35 km from Mangalore (Karnataka), the town’s name Moodbidri is derived from the combination of two words: Moodu meaning east and bidiru/bidri meaning bamboo. This name was acquired as bamboo was a prominent plant of the region.

Moodabidri is believed to have emerged as the centre of Jain religion, art, architecture, between the 14th and 16th century. Jainism prospered here and it still has a significant Jain population. Various dynasties have ruled over Moodabidri, but all with civility and respect for its places of worship and traditions. The Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, Alupa, and Hoysala are some of the dynasties who ruled over the city.

The Saavira Kallina Basadi (1000 pillared temple), is one among the 18 popular Jaina Basadis (places of worship) along with Guru Basadis and Ammanavara Basadsi. Sacred Jain literature was shifted from Shravanabelagola, a holy place for people who follow Jainism, to this temple that led to its significance.

Moodabidri’s history intrigues us while the temple’s thousand pillars fascinate us. And as we slip away into the greenery that surrounds it, it remains with us. Possibly will forever.