1000 Pillar Mandir of the Jains

Dr Uday Dokras
Jainism also known as Jain Dharma, is an Indian religion. Jainism traces its spiritual ideas and
history through the succession of twenty-four Tirthankaras (supreme preachers of Dharma), with
the first in the current time cycle being Rishabhadeva, whom the tradition holds to have lived
millions of years ago, the twenty-third tirthankara Parshvanatha, whom historians date to the 9th
century BCE, and the twenty-fourth tirthankara Mahavira, around 600 BCE. Jainism is
considered to be an eternal dharma with the tirthankaras guiding every time cycle of
the cosmology. The three main pillars of Jainism are ahiṃsā (non-violence), anekāntavāda (non-
absolutism), and aparigraha (asceticism).
Jain monks, after positioning themselves in the sublime state of soul consciousness, take five
main vows: ahiṃsā (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (not stealing), brahmacharya (chastity),
and aparigraha (non-possessiveness). These principles have affected Jain culture in many ways,
such as leading to a predominantly vegetarian lifestyle. Parasparopagraho jīvānām (the function
of souls is to help one another) is the faith's motto, and the Ṇamōkāra mantra is its most
common and basic prayer.
Jainism is one of the world's oldest religions in practice to this day. It has two major ancient sub-
traditions, Digambaras and Śvētāmbaras, with different views on ascetic practices, gender, and
the texts that can be considered canonical; both have mendicants supported
by laypersons (śrāvakas and śrāvikas). The Śvētāmbara tradition in turn has three sub-traditions:
Mandirvāsī, Deravasi, and Sthānakavasī. The religion has between four and five million
followers, known as Jains, who reside mostly in India. Outside India, some of the largest
communities are in Canada, Europe, and the United States, with Japan hosting a fast-growing
community of converts. Major festivals include Paryushana and Das
Lakshana, Ashtanika, Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, Akshaya Tritiya, and Dipawali.

Digambara is one of the two major schools of Jainism, the other being Śvētāmbara (white-clad).
The Sanskrit word Digambara means "sky-clad", referring to their traditional monastic practice
of neither possessing nor wearing any clothes. Digambara and Śvētāmbara traditions have had
historical differences ranging from their dress code, their temples and iconography, attitude
towards female monastics, their legends, and the texts they consider as important
Digambara monks cherish the virtue of non-attachment and non-possession of any material
goods. Monks carry a community-owned picchi, which is a broom made of
fallen peacock feathers for removing and thus saving the life of insects in their path or before
they sit.The Digambara literature can be traced only to the first millennium, with its oldest
surviving sacred text being the mid-second century Ṣaṭkhaṅḍāgama "Scripture in Six Parts"
of Dharasena (the Moodabidri manuscripts). One of the most important scholar-monks of the
Digambara tradition was Kundakunda.
Digambara Jain communities are currently found mainly in most parts of North India in states
like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, parts of
south Maharashtra and Karnataka. According to Jeffery D. Long, a scholar of Hindu and Jain
studies, less than one fifth of all Jains in India have a Digambara heritage.
1
Chandraprabha (English: Lord of Moon) is the eighth Tirthankara of Avasarpini (present half
cycle of time as per Jain cosmology). Chandraprabhu was born to King Mahasena and Queen
Lakshmana Devi at Chandrapuri to the Ikshvaku dynasty. According to Jain texts, his birth-date
was the twelfth day of the Posh Krishna month of the Indian calendar. He is said to have become
a siddha, i.e. soul at its purest form or a liberated soul.
Life before renunciation
Chandraprabha was the eighth Jain Tīrthankara of the present age (avasarpini). He was born to
King Mahasena and Queen Lakshmana Devi at Chandrapuri, Varanasi on 12th day
month Pausa in the Ikshvaku clan. Nine months before the birth of Chandraprabha,
Queen Lakshmana Devi dreamt the sixteen most auspicious dreams.Mahasena named Tirthankar
Chandraprabha because of his complexion was white as moon. According
to Uttarapurana, Indra named him Chandraprabha because at his birth the earth and night-lotus
were blossomed.

Chandraprabha spent 2 lakh pūrva as youth (kumāra kāla) and ruled His kingdom for 6

lakh pūrva and 24 pūrvāṇga (rājya kāla). During his rul e, Chandraprabhu was
apathetic towards the ordinary delights and princely grandeur.
Renunciation
He decided to renounced his worldly life, soon after his ascension to throne and after 3 months
he obtained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) while mediating under Naga tree. After a many years of
spreading his knowledge, he is said to have attained nirvana at Sammed Shikharji on the seventh
day of the bright half of the month of Bhadradha.

2
To the right-Mandaragiri Hill, also known as Bsasadi Betta, is a small settlement in Tumkur
District of Karnataka. The Mandaragiri hill is a small hillock with well carved 435 steps which
houses 4 ancient temples of which 2 are from 12th century and other two from 14th century.
Its highlight is Pinchi shaped 81 ft high Gurumandir first of its kind in Jain History declared as a
Unique world record as well a large statue of Chandranatha Thirthankara inaugurated in 2011.

Disciples

According to Digambara Vaidarbha Svami and Varuṉā were the chief Ganadhara and Aryika of
the Chandraprabha disciples and Dinna and Vāruṇī according to Śvētāmbara.
Svayambhūstotra by Acharya Samantabhadra is the adoration of twenty-four Tīrthankaras. Its
five slokas (aphorisms) are dedicated to Tīrthankara Chandraprabha.
With complexation bright as the rays of the moon you had the radiated knowledge like another
moon. You are worshiped by eminent beings; you are the Lord of learned ascetic; and had
conquered all your karmas and internal passion. I bow to you, O Lord Chandraprabha, the
processor of moonlike splendour.

— Svayambhūstotra (8-1-36)
Chandraprabha is associated with crescent moon emblem, Naga tree, Vijya or Śyāma (Dig.) &
Vijya (Svet.) Yaksha and Jwalamalini (Dig.) & Bhṛkuṭi (Svet.) Yakshi.
Chandraprabha-charitra composed by Haribhadra is an adoration to
Chandraprabha. Chandraprabha is mentioned in the Buddhist scriptures. Chandraprabha is
usually depicted in a lotus or kayotsarga posture, with a crescent moon symbol beneath him;
[4]
each tīrthankara has a distinct emblem, which allows worshippers to distinguish similar
idols. Like all tirthankaras, he is depicted with a Shrivatsa and downcast eyes. The earliest
known sculpture of Chandraprabha was installed by Maharajadhiraja Ramagupta of Gupta
dynasty. Chandraprabha has been popular amongst Jain everywhere in India. The iconography of
Chandraprabha is particularly popular in Eastern India in Bihar, Bengal and Orissa. Sculptures of
Chandraprabha were also popular in Jain temples, Deogarh, Khajuraho Jain
temples and Sonagiri.
A temple that is listed in the Fodor's "India's Jain Temples Are Incredible Architectural
Marvels" series is the Thousand Pillars Temple called Saavira Kambada Basadi (Thousand
Pillars temple) is the most prominent of the 18 Jain temples in Moodubidiri town, Karnataka.
The finest of these is the 15th-century Chandranatha Basadi, also known as the Thousand
Pillars Basadi. The uniqueness of this basadi, is that no two pillars are identical. Official name
is Tribhuvana Thilaka Chudamani temple. Jain tirthankara Chandraprabha is the main deity in
the thousand pillars temple. Moodabidri is known as the “Jain Varanasi” of South India. The
basadis or Jain temples are found all over Dakshina Kannada district but the basadis here have
greater significance and are considered as most ornate. Along with Venur and Dharmastala
Moodabidri is one of the main centres of Jain pilgrimage in Dakshina Kannada.

3
History & Design: The Thousand Pillars Temple was built in the 15th century by local ruler
Devaraya Wadiyar. Temple was renovated in 1962. Each of the thousand pillars is dotted with
exquisite rock carvings. Interesting fact about the pillars is, it is believed that no two pillars are
said to be alike. The perfection of the stone carvings, the symmetry and intrinsic details will
leave visitors in awe of this marvelous and detailed architecture.The 50 ft tall monolith
Mahasthamba (Giant Pillar), a common feature in all Jain temples, is erected in front of the
thousand pillars temple.

Thousand Pillars Temple complex has 3 storeys and Seven Mantapas (porch-like structure). The
ground floor is built in stones while the first and second floor are wooden structures. The
Garbhagriha (inner sanctum) of the temple features an 8 foot tall idol of the 8th Jain Thirthankara
Chandranatha Swamy, which is known to be made of the 5 different elements (Pancha Dhatu).

4
Its Mantapas are supported by ornate pillars. The 1,000-pillared style with large halls supported
by numerous pillars was popular. The 1,000-pillared Jain basadi at Mudabidri is an example.
Larger temples have a separate shrine for the female deity. Some examples of this are the Hazara
Rama, Balakrishna and Vitthala temples at Hampi. Some shrines in the Vitthalapura area inside
Vijayanagara were consecrated specifically for Tamil Alwar saints and for the
great Vaishnava saint, Ramanujacharya. Architecturally they are different in that each shrine has
an image depicting the saint for whose worship the temple was built. Each shrine has its own
enclosure and a separate kitchen and pilgrim-feeding hall. The water storage tank inside the royal
center, the [stepwell stepped tank] called "Pushkarni", is a recent archaeological discovery. The
stepped tank is fashioned with finished chlorite schist slabs arranged in a symmetrical formation
with steps and landings descending to the water on all four sides. This is clearly a Western

5
Chalukya-Hoysala style tank and is seen in many parts of present-day Karnataka. The
inscriptions on the slabs indicate the material was brought from outside the Vijayanagara area.

Karnataka is blessed with the most beautiful temples and blissful towns. One of these is
Moodabidri. A distinctive feature of this beautiful temple, Saavira Kambada Basadi are its
magnificent pillars. The temple’s name itself when translated from Kannada means thousand
pillars temple. The temple is also known as Chandranatha Basadi or Tribhuvana Tilaka
Chudmani Basadi which means crown jewel of the three worlds. The then local chief, Devaraya
Wodeyar designed the temple in the year 1430. The beautiful temple with 1000 pillars took about
31 years to complete. The temple has three storeys and the uppermost one is open only once in a
year for the devotees. The inner sanctum of the temple has an 8 feet tall idol of the
8th Jain Thirthankara Chandranatha Swamy made out of Panchdhatu (5 elements As one of the
main centres of Jain pilgrimage in Dakshina Kannada, Moodabidri is located in Karnataka.
Moodabidri is also known as the Jain Kashi of India because of many Jain temples located here.
The temple town is home to about 18 Jain Basadis and one of these temples is the beautiful
Saavira Kambada Basadi. The most unique fact about this temple is that it has about 1000 pillars
and no two pillars are identical.

Saavira Kambada Basadi is a pure architectural marvel with seven mantapas. Anyone who looks
at the structures is captivated by their breathtaking beauty and the exquisite sculptures that adorn
them. The most interesting fact about this place is that no two pillars out of the thousands are the
same. Visitors can’t help but remark how the sculptures have carved the stones with exact
measurements despite the absence of modern technologists, giving the area a perfect symmetry.
The carvings on the pillars speak about art and culture of the ancient times. In front of the
temple, a 50-foot-tall monolith known as Mahasthamba, also known as the Giant Pillar, is
placed.
Saavira Kambada Temple (Sāvira Kambada Basadi) or Tribhuvana Tilaka Cūḍāmaṇi), is
a basadi or Jain temple noted for its 1000 pillars in Moodabidri, Karnataka, India. The temple is
also known as "Chandranatha Temple" since it honours the tirthankara Chandraprabha, whose
eight-foot idol is worshipped in the shrine.

6
No Two Of The Thousand Pillars Are Identical/Intricate carvings of pillar

The town of Moodabidri is noted for its 18 Jain temples, but Saavira Kambada Temple is
considered the finest among them. The temple is considered an architectural wonder and is a
major attraction of Moodabidri.

7
The Basadi was built by the local chieftain, Devaraya Wodeyar in 1430 and took 31 years to
complete,[4] additions to temples were made in 1962. The shrine has a 50 feet tall
monolith manasthambha erected by Karkala Bhairava Queen Nagala Devi.

The temple is considered an architectural wonder. The temple is full of elaborate sculptures and
decoration. The doorway of the temple has intricate carvings and is enclosed with ornate walls.
The massive pillars of the temple are carved to resemble an octagonal wooden log with one
baring inscription.[8][9][10] The 1000 pillars with exquisite detail, support the temple and no two
pillars are alike. The sloping roof of veranda are made of wood coated with copper tiles
resembling the temples of Nepal. The temple complex has seven mandapas supported by
beautifully carved pillars built in the Vijayanagara style. The main mandapa of the temple
consists of two interconnected column halls. The fourth mandapa houses a sculpture of
Bhairavadevi. The top two storeys are carved in wood and the lowest one in stone.
The hall interiors are massive, with elaborately decorated columns and a door flanked by two
protector deities. The wooden panels inside the temples have carvings of Tirthankara flanked by
elephants, guardian deities and female attendants holding flowers. Several bronze Jain idols in
ornated frames are placed inside the garbhagriha.[14] The 8 ft idol of Chandranatha Swami made
of panchadhatu present in the garbha griha. The temple are built similar to temples in Nepal. The
interiors of the temple are richly and variedly carved. A large number of tombs of Jain monks are
present near the temple premise. The manastambha in front of the temple is noteworthy. The
pillars inside the hall bear carvings of dragon and giraffe resulting from the influence of trade
with China in 15th century. The image of Nandishwar-dweep dated 16th century is notable.
Saavira Kambada Basadi along with Shravanabelagola, Kamal Basadi and Brahma Jinalaya are
considerest the most important Jain centers in Karnataka.

Painting depicting Kalpavriksha and Jambudweep

8
 Leppada Basadi built in the 14th century

Guru Basadi- Guru basadi is the earliest of the Jain monuments built in 714 AD. A black
stone idol of Parshwanatha, about 3.5 metres (11 ft) tall, is installed in the sanctum of this
basadi.[20] The temples also house 12th-century Jain palm leaf manuscripts known as
‘Dhavala texts’ are preserved. These texts were brought from shravanabelagola to here
during the Mughal invasion. This basadi is also called Siddantha Basadi and Hale Basadi.

9
Moodabidri is noted for its 18 Jain Temples mentioned as follows:
 Bagada Basadi
 Settara Basadi
 Hire Basadi
 Guru Basadi
 Leppada Basadi
 Kallu Basadi
 Batkana-Thikari Basadi
 Pathshala Basadi
 Padu Basadi
 Kere Basadi
 Hosa Basadi
 Bitkeri Basadi
 Vikram Shetty Basadi
 Mahadeva Shetty Basadi
 Chola Shetty Basadi
 Koti Shetty Basadi
 Derma Shetty Basadi
 Ammanavara Basadi
There is a matha at Moodabidri responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of temples in
Moodabidri. It is known as the Jain Varanasi of the South. A bhaṭṭāraka seat exists at Moodabidri
responsible for administering the 18 temples at Moodabidri and the other temples in the
surrounding areas. The name given to the bhaṭṭāraka of Moodabidri is Charukeerthi.

The temple is also known as "Chandranatha Temple" since it honours the tirthankara
Chandraprabha, Jmain deity in the thousand pillars temple.

10
The confluence of faiths makes Dharmasthala, the abode of dharma, a unique legacy entrenched
over the years. The centuries old Shri Chandranatha Swamy Basadi at Dharmasthala has been
maintained in the pristine condition and is amongst the one of the most revered and celebrated
Digambara shrines in South India.

The growing fame of Dharmasthala Shri Manjunatha Swamy temple has often obscured the fact
that for centuries that Dharmasthala is also a revered Jain Basadi. With the novel thought of
protecting the Jain legacy, a pious and methodical renovation of the temple in May 2001 by Shri
Veerendra Heggade has made Shri Chandranatha Swamy Basadi, one of the most beautiful
edifices in Dharmasthala and the south of India. Standing against the azure blue sky and the lush
foliage around it, this temple clad in white marble is a sight to behold and to cherish, imbibe and
nurture the teachings about our mortal life by Shri Chandranatha Swamy, Jain Theerthankara
Mahaveer and his disciples.

Place: Saavira Kambada Basadi (thousand pillar temple), Moodbidri

11
 Best of the beast: Majestic view of Saavira Kambada Basadi

Apart from being an education oriented city, Moodbidri is a home for Jains and is renowned as
the Jain temple town as it has some fascinating stories of a rich cultural past embedded in its
eighteen temples. We chose to visit the famous one called Saavira Kambada Basadi or as it is
called in English as - Thousand Pillar Temple, which was just 3 km from our stay. : Even though
Moodbidri is just 35 km from Mangalore, you can see a drastic difference in the climate. Most of
the houses have clay roof tiles which look iconic and distinctive. The rustic look of the houses
made me dream about living in one. There was one of such beautiful house just beside the Jain
temple. We didn't miss to pull a dope photo in front of it.

Our first stop of the day was Saavira Kambada Basidi

12
 Beautiful Mahavir statue near the temple

The 15th-century temple is a treasure house of art and architecture. The 8ft tall bronze idol of 8th
Tirthankara of Jains, Lord Chandranatha Swami in the sanctum of Saavirakambada Basadi is
said to be the most sacred and carved to perfection. The temple was constructed over a
painstaking period of 31 years. The intricate carvings and geometrically accurate lines speak of
craftsmen whose skills can dumbfound today’s machines in the blink of an eye.

13
The clay rooftops are the iconic structure in this part of the state

Temple is a hallmark of an era long lost in the sands of time

14
 Maana sthambha is a 60-foot monolithic pillar (left pillar) and beside that is the dhvaja sthambha

Thousand stories to tell: Standing in the courtyard, we could experience the grandeur and vigor
that has come to stand as the hallmark of an era long lost in the sands of time. I asked the guard
if there are actually one thousand pillars for which he said "yes". Well, I didn't have enough time
to count it but if you are visiting then do count and let me know . Every pillar has unique figures
carved on them. The 8-foot tall statue of Chandranatha Swami in the sanctum sanctorum was
fascinating with a hush of silence and peace that envelops the temple.

15
 Fort walls around the temple

Observe the beautiful roof of the temple. It's a 2 storey structure

16
 A thousandd pillars of the temple that tell thousand stories

The courtyard was so photogenic that I couldn't stop taking a vintage shot

17
Once you step inside the temple, the art will leave you flabbergasted.

18
 The ceilings are decorated with the beautiful carvings and chandelier

The 8-foot tall statue of Chandranatha Swami in the sanctum sanctorum.

19