Kamal Basti Jain Temple, Karnataka

Address

Kamal Basti Jain Temple, Belgaum Fort Area, Belagavi, Karnataka 590001

Diety

Neminatha

Introduction

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. The fort is located in the northwest part of Karnataka, in the foothills of Sahyadris. The city of Belgaum is located closest to the fort and has well-built air, road and railway facilities. Two hundred years ago, the idol of lord Neminath was found in the jungle. The temple partially ruins. 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.

Puranic Significance

The temple is located in Belgaum fort and is built primarily out of stone. It is surrounded by gardens on its sides and stands along by the ruins of Chikki Basti. The structure comprises of entrances and pillars beautifully carved out of stones. The polishing of the pillars has enhanced the intricacy of the temple. The ceiling consists of projected Jain Tirthankaras on an upside-down lotus carving, made of stone. The structure stands on stone pillars, carved beautifully with images of Jain gods on them. There exists a Garbhagriha, located in the temple itself, with the idol of Lord Neminatha in it. The temple also comprises of a stone carving of the Sinhasan of Lord Neminath. The temple consists of idols from 11th century AD, of lord Sumatinath in standing position and idol of Lord Adinath in padmasana position. It also has an idol of lord Parsvanatha under the shade of 7 hooded Nagraj.