Hadavalli Sri Chandranatha Swami Basadi, Karnataka

Address

Hadavalli Sri Chandranatha Swami basadi, Uttara Kannada, Hadavalli, Karnataka 581421

Diety

Adinatha

Introduction

Hadavalli is a small village, situated about 17 km from Bhatkala in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. Hadavalli, which finds its name in history as Sangeetapura, was once believed to be an abode for musicians and also a center for art and architecture. Though it is said that several basadis existed in the area, there are very few which have overcome the onslaught of time. Among them, the Chandranath basadi stands out as a prominent one. As the name itself suggests, the Chandranath basadi has a statue of Jain Teerthankara, Chandranath. The architecture of the place dates back to the 14th century when it was said to be the capital of Saluva dynasty.

Puranic Significance

Said to be built in the Vijayanagara Empire style, the Chandranath basadi is supported by 24 pillars, with the doors and pillars inside containing beautiful carvings. There are many other basadis adjacent to Chandranath basadi such as Parshwanath and Neminath basadi, besides the Padmavati temple. The statues of 24 teerthankara have been displayed at the renovated Padmavathi temple. Bereft of all past glory, Hadavalli is today still a solemn and impressive village. The Padmavati temple is in possession of a family which has statues of twenty four Thirthankaras. They are carved in fine black polished stone, each over half a meter tall. All the statues have inscriptions wrought in very small letters. The temple looks like a house from outside. It is cleanly maintained. Regular puja (worship) takes place every day. It is also said that 132 statues, which were taken from here for an exhibition in Belgaum, were never returned. Sadly, nobody now knows where these statues are.