Kamala Basadi - Belagavi — Attraction in Karnataka

One may not imagine that beautifully carved Jain Shrines amidst the dense coconut trees could be enclosed inside the fort area, which now is a military centre. Two Shrines are the only remains in this area now, which is taket care of by archaeological survey of India. Of which Kamal Basadi alias Kamal basti is somewhat in pretty good condition compared to the other shrine on its right. If you observe carefully, some of the the pillars, they bear the finest carvings one could ever think of. While the other group of pillars are highly polished and smooth. The pecularity of these polished pillars is mind blowing(scientifically true). When you stand in front of this pillar, your image is shown only half the way, with lower half being your inverted image. Your feet are not at all visible in the pillar image. Moreover we noticed another amazing thing about these polished pillars. We observed that when a coin is tapped on it, the pillar sounds like 'ghungru or small bells'. One more thing that we noticed is, it seems the temple was abandoned midway its construction (maybe on account of invasion or some epidemic), hence you will find the unfinished walls and a few pillars. The shrine next to Kamal Basadi is now closed as it is dilapidated. But you won't stop appreciating the finely carved entrance walls, which reveal the rich Indian culture. The archaeological site takes you 1000 years back in time and the serene and spiritual surrounding keeps you speechless.The ceiling is a lotus with say 1000 petals (similar to the Jain temple- 'Dhilwara temple' in Mount Abu). The lower skirting of the ceiling has the carvings of 24 Jain Tirthankar's and the ashtadikpalas (deities of eight directions). Out of these eight deities only six are intact. The graceful arches, the sturdy artistic supporting pillars have undergone 1000+ years of climatic,political, invasive attacks but yet fascinate your minds and give a calm and soothing feel especially in...

Kamal Basti is one of the two bastis situated within the walls of Belgaum Fort which is encircled by a Moat. There are two Jinalayas in later Chalukya style. One of them is Kamal Basti. This Jain Temple was built in 1204 AD by Bichirja, a minister of Kartavirya IV of the Ralta Dynasty. Two of its pillars have Kannada inscriptions in Nagari scripts, one of 1199 of Ratta King Kartaveerya IV and another of 1261 of Sevuna (Yadava) Krishna. The temple has Kadamba Nagara Shikara. The other Jinalaya is almost a ruined one. This 10th Century AD Basti is under the protection of Archeological Dept. This temple is nearby to Belgaum Main Bus Stand. The two temples in the fort are known as Kamal Basadi (Mandir) and Chikki Basadi.

Kamal Basadi is so called because of the Gumbaj of the temple as the masterpiece here is the "Mukhamantapa" with a well-executed in the form of the Lotus of 72 Petals on the ceiling. Outside the Kamala Basti is another ruined Jain temple called the Chikki Basti. The Belgaum Fort is the ancient architectural pre-Muslim monument is one of the best and shining examples of communal harmony with both mosques and temples co-exist in perfect harmony, though not much of the original structure remains.

In this temple, the past present and future Tirthankars 24 for each period are shown on the 72 petals of the lotus flower. The Sanctum Hill has the stone carved Sinhasan with seated Idol of Bhagwan Neminath and is very artistic. The pillars of the temple are decorated with carvings and brightly polished. The Idol of Bhagwan Neminath was found in the Jungle about 200 years ago. The Idol and other statues are of 11CAD.

There are Idols of Bhagwan Sumatinath in standing posture, Idol of Bhagwan Adinath in Padamasan, Idol of Bhagwan Parsvanathunder the shade of 7 hooded Nagraj.

Also the only single Masterpiece in the world is the Idol of Navgraha which is also worth seeing. This temple is under...

'Kamal Basadi’ also known as Kamal Basti is a 10th century Jain Temple built under the reign of Ralta Dynasty. The temple was built earlier in 1204 AD by Bichirja, a minister of Kartavirya IV. Two hundred years ago, the idol of lord Neminath was found in the jungle. The temple was built inside the Belgaum fort, along with Chikki Basti, which in the present time remains as a ruin. The name Kamal Basti is derived from the appearance of the temple as a lotus with 72 petals. Each petal consists of the name of the 24 Tirthankaras, for each period, carved on them. Today the monument has become a monumental structure, representing the chalukya style of architecture.

The best time to visit the temple is during October to February. The temperature in summer rises to 34°celsius and climate remains hot. In winters the temperature stays between 15° to 20° Celsius, and the weather remains cold and pleasant. Hence most of the tourists visit during winters.

The temple has been under the protection of Archeological Department of India, and the compound of the two temples has been taken care of by a local Jain trust, and daily prayers are offered. This is because of the rich and significant history of the temple. The temple has stood across a vast tenure, maintaining its religious importance. It has been a prime spot to attract tourists and devotees through its spirituality. A visit to the temple not only serves as an exploratory experience but also a divine and...