Belgaum also known as
Belagavi, the largest district of Karnataka houses many monuments of historical
importance. Amongst them, a few of which
have survived the tests of time and now included in the ASI’s protected monuments
list include the Kamal Basti/Kamala
Basadi or Ratta Jinalaya, an old Jain temple inside the fort area of Belgaum.
Built in the later Chalukyan style in 1204 A.D. by Bichana, a minister of
Kartavirya IV of Ratta dynasty, Kamal Basti catches one’s eye for its neat geometrics
that are meticulously executed.
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| The Grand Entrance |
The Kamal Basti has a
garbagriha, sukhanasi/antarala (vestibule/ante-chamber), navaranga and
mukhamantapas. The garbagriha facing north is star shaped and houses an idol of
Bhagwan Neminatha, the 22nd thirthankara, replacing the original image of
Shanthinatha, is seated in the Dhyana (mediation) posture and carved in black
stone. The prabhavali behind the idol is quite artistic with floral designs and
makara toranas. The garbagriha entrance has intricate carvings on its door
jambs.
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| The Majestic Door Frame |
The antarala in front
of the garbagriha has perforated window screens at its entrance with carvings
of makaras and image of seated Jaina figure on its lintel.The lathe turned
pillars of the navaranga have floral designs and geometrical engravings. Idols
of a few thirthankaras can be seen inside and in the wall niches.The
mukhamantapa has three entrances with stone benches on its periphery. The
ceiling of the mukhamantapa is decorated with a profuse carving of a huge
lotus, because of which over a period of time the Basti also came to be known
as Kamal (lotus) Basti. On the ceiling can also be seen the projected idols of
ashtadikpalakas in the eight cardinal directions (two seem missing) and
comparatively smaller images of jaina thirthankaras in between them. The glossy
lathe turned pillars of the mukhamantapa though mostly plain with minimal
carvings are very skillfully executed.
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| The Beautiful Lathe Turned Pillars |
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| Beautiful Central Ceiling |
The lovely shikaras
atop the garbagriha and mukhamantapa are of Kadambanagara style (stepped
pyramidal type). The central ceiling of the mukhamantapa bears resemblance to
Tarakeshwara temple of Hanagal (Haveri district). The external walls are plain
with horizontal mouldings/bands and exhibit various patterns of geometry. It
surely is a visual treat to the eyes and only intrigues us with the kind of
techniques and methods used and the skill possessed by men of those times for
such brilliant execution. This temple is maintained by the ASI with the help of
local caretakers. Well maintained gardens around the temple only add to the temple’s
beauty.
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| The Majestic Mukhamantapas |
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| Kamal Basadi, Belagavi |
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