Jain architecture in South Canara

South Kanara was earlier a citadel of Jainism in South India. It is said to have existed as early as the 3rd century, but strengthened its base between the eleventh and twelfth century. It is a distinct living religion in absolute harmony with Hinduism. So much so, there is no sense of separation among the Hindus and the Jains. The Jain monuments are spread all over South Kanara and they seem to bear some special features of their own. Moreover, Jain sculptures are found in large numbers and they have concentrated in various basadis, or the jain temples. These may be divided in basadis, manasathambas, sculptures and tombs.

Jain Basadis

The basadis are Jain temples, found all over South Kanara, particularly in Karkala and Moodbidri. One remarkable feature about these temples, is the picturesque site selected for their construction. They are situated in the villages ever marked by their natural beauty, convenience and peaceful neighbourhood. Since, most of the basadis are built of solid granite, they are standing strong till date. From the architectural point of view, the basadis situated in and around Moodbidri, eighteen in number, are exquisite examples of grandeur and style.

The Thribhuvana Tilaka Choodamani popularly known as thousand pillar basadi, is among the major monuments of India. Its bewitching grandeur of pillars is another striking characteristic. This basadi appears to have been built in phases between the years 1429 A.D. to 1462 A.D

The temple is a three storeyed structure, with the roof rising one above the other is contained within a high walled en closure made of laterite stones and having its entrance on the east. The doorway leads immediately on to a fine pillar, the manasthamber The building consists of three halls corresponding to mantapas, all combined and connected with the vimana or the sanctum containing the image of Chandranatha.

The first part of the basadi, was constructed in the year 1429, as a result of initiation taken by Chautas of Moodbidri and six Ballals (the local chieftains) under the orders of Abhinava Charukirti Bhattarakha, a Jain priest. The second

part of the basadi, which is mukha mantapa was erected in 1451, being the result of the cooperation and combinations of distinguished Jains, whose names are inscribed on the wall of the mantapa. The third stage which witnessed the construction of free standing pillar called manasthamba by Nagaladevi, the queen of Bhairavendra of Gersoppa.

The upper most storey of the basadi is covered with copper sheets, laid like slates. On the outer pediment of the mantapa, there is a long procession of various animals, living and mythical, among which are centaur, the mermaid and excellent representation of giraffe and Chinese dragon.

The pillars in the basadi are thick set and on taken by solid in construction. Normally, twelve feet height, with the lower third consolidating of square prism, while the remainder of the shaft is circular in section and profusely moulded. The capital is a combination of brackets and pendant lotus buds, around the square abacus. The whole has the ornate conception. In design, these pillars have a close resemblence to the Chalukyan order perhaps produced by the lathe turned technical process.

Percy Brown, a research scholar says "The pillars at Bhairadevi mantapa of the Chandranatha temple are exceptionally elaborate". The shafts being moulded and chiselled into detached lotus petals, and miniature balustrades are all excuted with an incredible precision, patience and skill. Nothing can exceed the richness and variety with which the pillars are carved. None of the pillars seem to be alike, they are ornate to an extent they seem almost fantastic.

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