Shanka Basadi, Lakshmeshwar, Karnataka

Shanka Basadi, Lakshmeshwar, Karnataka

Shanka Basadi is a Jain Temple dedicated to Jain Thirthankara Neminatha located in Lakshmeshwar Town in Lakshmeshwar Taluk in Gadag District in the Indian state of Karnataka. This Shanka Basadi is also called as Shanka Jinalaya / Sahasrakuta Jinalaya. This Basadi is situated in the Basti Bana area of Lakshmeshwar. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2023/08/shanka-basadi-lakshmeshwar-history.html

The Temple

This basadi is facing towards east. There is a manasthamba (pillar) erected in front of the temple. The basadi consists of sanctum, ardha mandapa, maha mandapa and ranga mandapa. The ranga mandapa has entrances on northern, southern, and eastern sides. The front façade of the ranga mandapa is plain and whitewashed. The ranga mandapa is surrounded by a low parapet wall.

The hall instead of being open is closed with pierced window panels. The space between the parapet wall and window panels is carved with different images of amorous couples, musicians, and dancers. The frieze containing the amorous couples is flanked by creeper motif on the top and the flower motif at the bottom. The sanctum enshrines an image of Neminatha / Shankha Jinendra (Shankha is the symbol of Neminath), the 22^nd Jain Tirthankara.

He is depicted in kayotsarga posture standing on a large shankha (conch shell). The shikhara of the temple is a modern structure. The unique feature of this temple is a monolithic pillar with the carving of 1008 Tirthankaras known as Sahasrakuta Jinabimba. Idols of Dharnendra and Padmavati can be seen in the temple premises. Several mutilated Jain idols can be seen on the wall of well nearby.

Connectivity

The basadi is located at about 1.5 Kms from Lakshmeshwar Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Yalavigi Railway Station, 37 Kms from Bankapura, 40 Kms from Gadag, 45 Kms from Dambal, 46 Kms from Haveri, 54 Kms from Hubli and 57 Kms from Hubli Airport. The basadi is situated on Gadag to Bankapura route. There are private buses as well as KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) buses plying between Haveri, Gadag and Hubli.

Location