About
Kamal Basadi is a Jain temple inside the Belgaum (Belagavi) Fort in Karnataka. The name comes from the lotus (kamal) carving that hangs down from the centre of the ceiling dome. The lotus has 72 petals, which presently display images of the 24 Tirthankaras of the past, and can also depict the Tirthankaras of the present and future. The Incredible India tourism portal describes the shrine as a Jain temple built in 1204 AD by Birchiraja (also called Jaya Raya), a minister in the court of Kartavirya IV of the Ratta dynasty, under the guidance of the Jain monk Subhachandrabhattarakadeva.
The temple is famous for its black-stone idol of Neminatha, the 22nd Tirthankara of Jainism, placed in the garbhagriha. Other images in the temple include Sumatinatha in the kayotsarga (standing) posture, Parshvanatha under the shade of a seven-hooded serpent (Nagaraj), Adinatha in the padmasana posture and the Navagraha. The other Jain temple inside the fort, the Chikki Basadi, is in ruins. The Archaeology Department renovated Kamal Basadi in 1996, and the temple is today maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Architecture of Kamal Basadi
The temple was built in the later Chalukyan style. Descriptions of the plan list a garbhagriha (sanctum), an antarala (vestibule), a navaranga hall and a mukhamantapa (front hall). The sanctum faces north and is star-shaped.
- The mukhamantapa is the most noted part: a lotus pendant projects from its ceiling, covered by a large pyramidal roof.
- The hall is reached through steps partly enclosed by a balustrade, under a large dome.
- The shikhara carries the nagara style of North India, while the pillared halls and carved ceilings follow the local Chalukyan tradition.
- The pillars carry carved decoration, and some are polished.
Timings to Visit Kamal Basadi
05:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 04:00 PM – 08:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. Closed on Sundays (as listed by Incredible India).
Visiting Duration :1 – 2 hours.
Around Kamal Basadi
Kamal Basadi stands inside Belgaum Fort, so a visit combines easily with the fort and the other structures within it, including the ruined Chikki Basadi. Incredible India also lists the Ramlingeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, as a short walk from the fort. Belagavi Airport (IXG), Hubballi Airport (HBX) and Belagavi Railway Station (BGM) are the transport points named by the same portal.
How to Reach Kamal Basadi
By Air: Belgaum Airport – 11.6 km,
By Train: Belgaum Railway Station – 2 km
By Bus: Bus Station Avaragol – 54 km, Belgaum Bus Stand – 1.1 km
Address
Kamal Basadi, Belgaum Fort, Belgaum Fort Area, Belagavi, Karnataka 590016.
Also Read Places to Visit in Karnataka
Kamal Basadi Temple Map
