Chavundaraya Neminatha Basadi – Karnataka

Address

Chavundaraya Neminatha Basadi Chandragiri Hill, Shravanbela Gola (Rural), Karnataka 573135

Diety

Neminatha

Introduction

Chavundaraya basadi or Chamundaraya basadi or Boppa-Chaityalya is one of the fifteen basadis (Jain temples) located on the Chandragiri Hill in Shravanabelagola in the Indian state of Karnataka. Archaeological Survey of India has listed the Chavundaraya basadi in group of monuments in Shravanabelagola as Adarsh Smarak Monument.

Puranic Significance

Chavundaraya basadi was erected by Chavundaraya during the rule Ganga King Marasimha II and completed by Chavundaraya’s son Jinadeva. The idol of Neminatha, flanked by Chauri bearers, is believed to install by Hoysala period attributing to the characteristics matching Hoysala art. The temple underwent improvement in the 12th century under the rule of Chola Empire. The pyramidal shikhara crowned with domical finial is example of Chola architecture. This temple is built in Dravidian architecture and famous for its artistry. The temple houses a garbhagriha, pradakshinapatha, open sukansi, navaranga and mukhamandapa. Above the garbagriha is a dvitala vimana. The garbhagriha houses an idol of Neminatha flanked by Chauri bearers and the one first floor of the vimana houses the image of Parshavanatha installed by Jinadeva. This temple is the largest shrine in Shravanabelagola with ornamental niches with figures of yakshi and Jain monks in padmasan posture. The architecture of this temple was influenced by Chalukyan style in Aihole and Badami temple complex. The mulnayak of the temple is a black-colored idol of Neminatha. The temple also houses an idol of Ambika seated under a mango tree with amra-lumbi (mango tree branch) in the right hand and citron in left.