Panchakuta Basadi – A Jain Temple, Kambadahalli, near Mandya, Karnataka.

26^th January 2019.

After visiting Vishnu and Shiva Temples at Nagamangala, had been to this Jain monument. This Jain monument is under the control of Archaeological Survey of India ( ASI ). Arrangement has been made to open and show to the visitors by the ASI. Out of the 5 shrines poojas are conducted in one of the shrine. A Tall manasthamba / Gamba is standing in front of the complex. Some Hero stones/ Veeragallu and Niseethikai ( a ritual followed by Jains fasting till death )  memory stones are kept in front of the entrance. Loose sculptures Tirthankara, Yaksha, Yakshi, Samaratharis excavated in the recent years are also kept on display.

The panchakuta basadi is the most finite example of southern Two thala /divitala vimana type falling under three classes, nagara, dravida and vesara over a samachaturasra body, dedicated to Jaina faith. It was constructed in two phases, the first phase consists of three shrines of equal size, the central one placed on the line faces north, and has a square griva – sikhara (Vimana )  of the brahmachhanda type, of the other two shrines, the one facing west has rudrachhanda griva sikhara and the one facing east has vishnuchhanda griva - sikhara. The shrines have separate open ardha mandapas joined to a common maha mandapa. the four central pillars of the maha mandapa are ornate and support a vitana ceiling. The octagonal balipitha (பலிபீடம்) in the shrines is sculptured with ashtadikpalakas ( என்திசை பாலகர்கள் ) with their consorts on respective vahanas.

The second phase has two lateral units added by hoysalas and are complete on plan with a samachaturasa shrine, a antarala / vestibule with a closed mandapa in front. These two shrines face each other and are joined by a pilled porch. The adhishtana common to all above units is of simple prati - bandha class decorated with upana, jagati, kantda, kampa and prominent pattika stambhas of brahma - kantha type with padma - bandha and mala - sthana. The main entrance to the complex is provided from the north by gopuradvara.  All the shrines housed beautiful sculpture of Tirthankara with elaborately carved pithas, the temple has beautiful sculptures of Jaina yakshas and yakshis of the Ganga and Hoysala periods, these shrines particularly conventional types of sikharas impart an arithmetic beauty and speak of the mastery of the compositional aspects of the temple builders, the temples are assignable to 900 - 1000 CE, and are considered as "a landmark in south Indian architecture".

 ashtadikpalakas on the sides of Palipeda

SHANTINATHA BASADI, KAMBADAHALLI

This shrine is on the left side of the Complex. The Shantinatha Basadi is the only complete structure of the Hoysala period. Supported by the inscriptions and also from the stylistic evidences.

The Basadi is an ekakuta temple. It has a  garbhagriha, a sukhanasi, a navrang/ ardha mandapa and a mughamandapa. All these stand on a jagati.  The jagati has finely carved cornices which have friezes of elephants, horses, lions and yazlis. These friezes exhibit superior workmanship by crispness and delicacy.

The garbhagriha at the western side is square with each side measuring twenty feet. It has a ceiling borne on four pillars. It has a lotus and designs of squares and circles, the center of the garbhagriha stands an image of Santitatha which is ten feet in height. The image is very slim, well proportioned and shows the typical smile.

The navrang also built with soapstone. In the central portion there are four typical Hoysala pillars.   The Navrang ceiling has the panels of eight dikpalakas on their respective vahanas. Very delicately carved and highly stylized. The central panel has a fine sculpture of  a seated Tirthankara with mukkudai ( triple umbrella ).     

There are five images kept in the navrang which attract our attention by their beauty. There is a seated Neminatha in dhyana mudra with a round prabhavali behind him. There are two chamara bearers on both sides. Another sculpture is that of a Tirthankara in dhyana mudra. He has a fine torana behind him, which is composed of floral arch wherein yakshas are shown as dancing to the tune of drummers, another sculpture is that of a yakshi on a pedestal with abhaya, chakra, chakra and padma in her hands, Her body is gracefully carved and the ornaments like ear - rings, armlets, anklets, necklaces, tiara are very delicately carved. Another Sculpture is a yaksha holding padma (partly broken), parasu, akshamala (broken) and phala. He has a full round face with a mild smile. He has a Kirta of five patikas, the anklets, armlets, necklaces, bangles and other ornaments are delicately carved. The Prabhavati is simple and has no ornamental background. But the anatomical details are highly noteworthy and thus this is one of the fine mages in this basadi.

 Santinatha 

 ashtadikpalakas

 Tirthankara in makudam of Yakshi

INSCRIPTIONS: A 12^th century CE inscription states that Boppadeva, son of the famous general Gangaraja, bearing the title 'Drohagharatta dandanayaka' constructed this basadi. The name of the sculptor is Drohagharattachari.  The  1145 CE. Hoysala Vishnuvardhana period inscription refers to a gift of the Modaliyabali to this basadi. From the another 1145 CE, it may existed earlier. In this connection it may also be noted that Boppa built the Adinatha basadi at Halebid in 1133 CE. Boppa being a great champion of Jainism must have built the Shantinatha basadi sometime after 1135 CE, and before 1145 CE. 

HOW TO REACH:

Kambadahalli is 60 KM from Mandya and  73 KM from Mysuru/ Mysore

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

  Loose sculptures excavated by ASI

  Nishithikai kal

  Nishithikai kal

  Veeragallu - Hero stone

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---