THOUSAND PILLARS(TEMPLE) OF JAINS.

A Place used for worship by jains is called Bassadi or temple.Out of the numerous jain bassadi's of Karnataka,scattered all over Karkal Belur Halebedu,and Sravanabelogola,one remarkable among them for its Thousand Pillars is at Moodabidri.

35km/350km from Mangalore and Bangalore.An example of architectural marvel.

The inscriptions in kannada at the shrine mentions the two story three floor temple was constructed in three phases and took Thirty two years to complete, with the help initiated by the local chieftains,the first phase of the construction commenced on 29th January 1430AD, followed by the bronze idol of CHANDRANATH SWAMY installed as the presiding deity on 27th March 1430 AD. The second part came into existence,due to the distinguished and affluent JAIN'S of their community in 1451AD and the final part was completed by the Queen of Bhatkal,Byradevi in 1462AD.A high laterite stone wall, surrounds the temple with its entrance in the east.

The pillars are all of solid granite stone carefully chiseled which is a proof of the great patience,precision and skill displayed by the sculptors.In design the entire pillars have a ornate conception,each 12ft in height,the lower part culminating into a square prism with the upper portion combining to form brackets and pendents of blossoming lotus.the mid portion circular and profusely moulded to resemble lathe turned products.The remarkable beauty of these pillars are,none of them seem similar but each distinct in design in its own way, and grandeur.

JAINISM came into existance before BUDDISM and till date is one of the oldest living faiths in the World.It took its birth in north india and entered KARNATAKA a few centuries latter where it received a warm WELLCOME with open hands,as a rare precious Gem,which arrived rather late.To prosper to popularity and celeberated its glorious years under the patronage of the Royal ruling dynasties of Karnataka.The KADAMBAS,GANGAS, CHALUKYAS,CHOLAS,RASHTRAKUTAS, HOYSALAS and the VIJAYANAGARA EMPIRES.

Their principals with simple teachings are extreme tendernes for animal life,truth, honesty, nonvoilence, compassion and brotherhood of mankind. BUDDISM similar to JAINISM with its message of NON-VIOLENCE, conquered many foreign lands without
the help of a Sword or a Soldier,to rule the Hearts of Millions of Mankind The World over until this Day.

THUS REFLECTIONS CONTINUES ITS ONWARD JOURNEY WITH MANY MORE INTERESTING FEATURES TO COME.