Kambadahalli

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Kambadahalli | skyline = Panchakuta Basadi Mandya DK.jpg
skyline_caption = Panchakuta Basadi, Kambadahalli
type = village | latd = 12.863 | longd = 76.671
locator_position = right | state_name = Karnataka
district = Mandya
leader_title =
leader_name =
altitude =
population_as_of =
population_total = | population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone = 08158
postal_code = 571 416
vehicle_code_range = KA-11
sex_ratio =
unlocode =
website =
footnotes =

Kambadahalli is a village in Mandya district of Karnataka state, in southwestern India. Previously known as Kambapuri, it is one of the oldest and important Jain religious centers in Karnataka. The monuments here were built by the Western Ganga Dynasty in the 9th - 10th century. The name Kambadahalli in Kannada language literally means village ("halli") of the pillar ("Kamba")

History

Kambadahalli is located 18 km from the famous Jain pilgrim center Shravanabelagola on the Shravanabelagola-Mandya road. The place gets the name from the Brahmadeva pillar ("kamba" in Kannada) that exists in the famous Panchakuta Basadi monument. According to historians, archaeological records date these temples back to 900 C.E and legend has it that there existed 72 basadis here during the time saint Ananthaveerya Muni visited. However due to lack of accurate inscriptional evidence, historians broadly date these monuments to the 10th century.

Panchakuta basadi

This is one of the most beautiful monuments built in dravidian, vesara and "nagara" styles by the Western Ganga Dynasty. It is built on the same lines as the Chavundaraya basadi in Shrvanabelagola. The temple which is oriented to the north towards the "Brahmadeva" pillar has five shrines (hence the name "Panchakuta"). Three shrines are connected to a "mantapa" by a vestibule and consist of the main shrine of tirthankara Adinatha flanked by Neminatha shrine to the east and Shanthinatha shrine containing a 3 m tall idol of the tirthankara to the west. The other two shrines which are disconnected and lie to the north of the "trikuta "cluster (three shrines) are also dedicated to tirthankaras. These are two different monuments.According to Robert J. Delbonta, who researched the monument, An article in "The Hindu" February 3 2006 [http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2006020313510400.htm&date=2006/02/03/&prd=th&] ] The unique feature of the statue of Mahaveera (or Gomateshwara) found here is that striking a coin at different points of the statue produces different sounds. The intricate door designs, carvings of flowers and animals, sculptures of "Yakshi" and the well planned "mantapa" (hall) are impressive. [http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/jun292006/metrothurs161602006628.asp] An article in "Metrolife", June 26, 2006] The Brahmasthamba (main pillar) holds the statue of a "Brahma Yaksha". It is only recently that efforts have been made to protect and renovate this monument.Due to the efforts of Sri Bhanukeerthi Swamiji of the mutt here, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has taken up conservation measures recently, Article in "The Hindu", February 3 2006, [http://www.thehindu.com/2006/02/03/stories/2006020313510400.htm] ]

How to reach

Kambadahalli is 135 km from Bangalore. It can be reached by travelling from Bangalore on the NH 48 leading to Hassan. At Bellur cross (105 km from Bangalore), turn left towards Nagamangala which is 17 km away. After reaching Nagamangala, go west from here for 14 km towards Shravanabelagola, turn right and travel 1 km to reach Kambadahalli.

Notes

External links

* [http://www.thehindu.com/2006/02/03/stories/2006020313510400.htm An ancient site connected with Jainism]
* [http://www.jainheritagecentres.com/karnataka/kambadahalli.htm Jainheritage.com]
* [http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/jun292006/metrothurs161602006628.asp Kambadahalli, Amidst a rustic setting]
* [http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2006020313510400.htm&date=2006/02/03/&prd=th& An ancient site connected with Jainism]