Thousand Pillars Temple
The Thousand Pillars Temple, also known as Saavira Kambada Basadi, is an architectural marvel of the 15th century. It is the most prominent of the 18 Jain temples in Moodabidri, a town rightfully called the 'Jain Kashi' of the South. Built in 1430 AD by the local ruler Devaraya Wodeyar, it took 31 years to complete this massive stone structure. The temple is dedicated to Chandranatha Swami, the 8th Tirthankara, whose 8-foot-tall bronze idol resides in the sanctum. What makes this temple legendary is the fact that it has 1,000 granite pillars, and remarkably, no two pillars are identical in their carvings. The carvings depict diverse subjects, from African giraffes and Chinese dragons to local folk tales, indicating the global trade links of that era. The temple consists of seven halls (mandapas), each displaying a high level of craftsmanship. The overall structure resembles Nepalese temples with its multi-layered wooden roofs, a rare sight in South India. The spiritual vibes of the temple are complemented by its peaceful surroundings. It remains a living monument where Jain rituals are performed with ancient precision. Visiting this temple is like walking through a stone-carved encyclopedia of world cultures and spiritual history.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 HoursPlace Type:
Historical & ReligiousTiming:
Special Events:
Mahavir Jayanti: Celebrated in March or April with grand processions and cultural programs.
Deepavali: The temple is lit up with thousands of lamps, creating a surreal stone-and-light atmosphere. ...Mahavir Jayanti: Celebrated in March or April with grand processions and cultural programs.
Deepavali: The temple is lit up with thousands of lamps, creating a surreal stone-and-light atmosphere.Best Photo Spots:
The Manasthamba: This 50-foot pillar makes for a stunning vertical shot against the sky.
Interior Pillars: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the repetitive beauty of the 1,000 pillars. ...The Manasthamba: This 50-foot pillar makes for a stunning vertical shot against the sky.
Interior Pillars: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the repetitive beauty of the 1,000 pillars.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Architectural Tour: Start by marveling at the 50-foot-tall Manasthamba at the entrance. Enter the main hall to count the Thousand Pillars (it's a fun challenge!). Search for the Giraffe and Dragon carvings on the pillars to see global influences. Pay your respects to the 8-foot Chandranatha Swami bronze idol. Observe the Copper-tiled roofs which are unique to this region's Jain temples. Walk around the outer courtyard to see smaller shrines dedicated to other Tirthankaras. Visit the Jain Math nearby to see rare palm-leaf manuscripts. Explore the other 17 smaller Basadis scattered around the town. Shop for traditional Jain artifacts and sandalwood items in the local market. Take a quiet moment in the 'Gowri Mandapa' to admire the ceiling carvings. ...Architectural Tour: Start by marveling at the 50-foot-tall Manasthamba at the entrance. Enter the main hall to count the Thousand Pillars (it's a fun challenge!). Search for the Giraffe and Dragon carvings on the pillars to see global influences. Pay your respects to the 8-foot Chandranatha Swami bronze idol. Observe the Copper-tiled roofs which are unique to this region's Jain temples. Walk around the outer courtyard to see smaller shrines dedicated to other Tirthankaras. Visit the Jain Math nearby to see rare palm-leaf manuscripts. Explore the other 17 smaller Basadis scattered around the town. Shop for traditional Jain artifacts and sandalwood items in the local market. Take a quiet moment in the 'Gowri Mandapa' to admire the ceiling carvings.
Information
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Why Famous:
Unique Pillar Carvings: Famous for the fact that among 1,000 pillars, every single one has a different design. It is also famous for the 'Dhavala' texts, ancient palm-leaf manuscripts preserved in the nearby Jain Math. ...Unique Pillar Carvings: Famous for the fact that among 1,000 pillars, every single one has a different design. It is also famous for the 'Dhavala' texts, ancient palm-leaf manuscripts preserved in the nearby Jain Math. -
Architecture:
Indo-Nepalese Stone Fusion: The temple occupies a massive area with a 50-foot monolithic Manasthamba at the entrance. The architecture is a blend of Vijayanagara and Nepalese styles. The 1,000 pillars are octagonal and intricately carved. The two upper stories of the tem...Indo-Nepalese Stone Fusion: The temple occupies a massive area with a 50-foot monolithic Manasthamba at the entrance. The architecture is a blend of Vijayanagara and Nepalese styles. The 1,000 pillars are octagonal and intricately carved. The two upper stories of the temple are made of wood and copper, while the base is solid granite, measuring about 250 feet in length and 100 feet in width. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Mangalore Airport (25 KMS).
By Train: Mangalore Station (35 KMS).
By Road: Well-connected by buses from Dharmasthala (50 KMS) and Mangalore.
Local Transport: The...By Air: Mangalore Airport (25 KMS).
By Train: Mangalore Station (35 KMS).
By Road: Well-connected by buses from Dharmasthala (50 KMS) and Mangalore.
Local Transport: The temple is 1 KM from the Moodabidri bus stand; autos are plenty. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Seasons: November to February is the most pleasant time for photography.
Time of Day: Early mornings offer the most serene environment for meditation. ...Seasons: November to February is the most pleasant time for photography.
Time of Day: Early mornings offer the most serene environment for meditation. -
Near Tourist Places:
Karkala (18 KMS), Venoor (20 KMS), Mangalore (35 KMS), Udupi (54 KMS), Kudremukh (55 KMS), Varanga (25 KMS), St. Lawrence Basilica (22 KMS), Gomateshwara Karkala (19 KMS), Pilikula (28 KMS), Kateel (25 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Respectful Tourism: Maintain absolute silence inside; do not touch the ancient carvings. Wear modest clothing; leather items like belts and wallets must be left outside. Mobile signals are excellent; local lodges offer basic stay and Wi-Fi. ...Respectful Tourism: Maintain absolute silence inside; do not touch the ancient carvings. Wear modest clothing; leather items like belts and wallets must be left outside. Mobile signals are excellent; local lodges offer basic stay and Wi-Fi.
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