Shri Neminath Bhagwan

Address

Belgaum Fort, Belgaum Fort Area, Belagavi, Karnataka 590001 -, Karnataka

District: Belgaum
Town: Belgaum City
Temple: Kamal Basadi

The Kamal Basadi is one of the two Jain temples inside the Belgaum Fort. There is another Jain temple here called the Chikka Basadi, but that temple is currently in ruins.

Kamal Basadi – Overview

Belgaum has for long been a center for Jainism, and the region houses many Jain saints and scholars. The kings of various dynasties that ruled this region practiced or patronized Jainism. There are many Jain temples here and mentions of many more are found in inscriptions. This Basadi is now administered by the Archaeological Department.

Kamal Basadi – History

The Kamal Basadi has been built in the later Chalukya style. It has a tiered roof over the shrine. It was built in 1204 AD during the period of Kartavirya IV of the Ratta dynasty. It was built by his minister Bichirja. There are two pillars here that bear Kannada inscriptions, one is of the period Kartavirya IV and another of the period of Seluva Krishna.

Kamal Basadi – Architecture

The Kamal Basadi has a tiered, pyramidal roof. Inside the temple, the dome above the mukha mandapa has a beautiful lotus carving, with 72 petals. Of these, 24 petals have figures of the last 24 Thirthankaras. The other 48 are for present and future Thirthankaras. The Kamal Basadi gets its name from this great Lotus sculpture. Kamal means lotus in the local language.

This lotus dome and the roof are supported by beautifully carved and polished pillars. The main shrine has the idol of Neminatha in a finely carved throne. There are also idols and shrines of Bhagawan Sumatinath, Bhagawan Parashvanath covered by a seven hooded serpent, Bhagawan Adinath in Padmasana and a shrine for Navagrahas.

Kamal Basadi – Facts

• The Neminatha Idol was uncovered in the jungle
• This idol is believed to belong to the 11th Century, and it’s older than the temple

How to Get to Kamal Basadi

Kamal Basadi is located inside Belgaum fort. Belgaum city is a major center and it is well connected through air, train and bus routes. It is easy to reach Belgaum from any spot within or outside Karnataka.