Hoysala Expedition Part 13: Parshwanatha, Adinatha and Shantinatha Jinalayas, Basadihalli

Basadihalli, which now appears as a separate village on the outskirts of Halebidu, was very much part of the capital city "Dwaravati" or "Dwarasamudra" of the Hoysala dynasty. Devout Jains right from the beginning, Hoysalas had constructed and nurtured hundreds of Jinalayas during their reign. Very few of them have stood the test of time.

The three temples in the Basadihalli Jain temple complex date back to 12th Centiry AD, with the construction beginning during the reign of Vishnuvardhana. The Parshwanatha Basadi, also known as "Vijaya Parshwanatha Jinalaya" due to the fact that Vishnuvardhana's victory in Bankapura coincided with the inauguration of the temple, was constructed in the honour of the much respected Hoysala commander in chief Ganga Raja. His son Boppadeva was instrumental in getting this built. The statue of Parshwanatha, about 18 feet tall, looks stunning even today, with a seven headed serpent carved in such a way that it is providing shelter to the 23rd tirthankara.

The Adinatha and Shantinatha Basadis have been built a few years later. The Shantinatha statue is also around 15 feet tall, and has a mesmerizing smile on his face. There is a Manastambha, about 30 feet tall, right in front of the Jinalaya in the middle, that of Adinatha. Elaborate inscription, which are in surprisingly good state, tell the stories of the golden age of Jainism in Karnataka.

Here are a few photos from the Jinalaya complex:

Parshwanatha, Adinatha and Shantinatha Jinalayas, Basadihalli from hmvprasanna on Vimeo.



Comments

KamalStudios said…
Wow!
So good. You have got a very much interesting interest. :D
Keep up. But, let me come along, next time onwards!
KamalStudios said…
You might get bored reading the same every time. Still: "Tell me when are you publishing a book.. I will be the first one in the queue to get it"
I feel.. you are an entirely different person, outside the cabin!!
:)
Prasanna said…
Thanks Arun, regarding being a different person outside the cabin, should I take it as a compliment or otherwise? ;)
KamalStudios said…
It is a compliment! :) :)