Lost temples of Karnataka: Kambadahalli

 

Overview: I read about this place in some book, which says Kambadahalli is an ancient site connected with Jainism. We set off to visit this interesting place one Sunday morning. We started from Bangalore at around 08:30 even though we had planned to start much earlier. We took the Magadi road which is much calm and peaceful compared to more busy Nelamangala road. The road leading to Magadi is also in a good shape and to drive along the curves is a pleasure. Only the stretch inside the Magadi town is horrible with lot of potholes though repairing work is in progress. We crossed Magadi and joined the Bangalore-Mangalore highway very quickly. We stopped by a lake on the way to relax for a while.


      We asked for directions from the locals to Kambadahalli and found that it was quite popular among them. We got the directions and reached Kambadahalli criss-crossing the beautiful countryside. On entering Kambadahalli, we asked the locals for Panchakuta Basadi which is the main attraction in the place. It was around a 100 meters from the place where we were. We drove closer to the place and in front of us was a magnificent structure which was beyond words to describe. A classic example of ancient Jain architecture made out of stones. Outside the premises we have a huge obelisk and on top of it is a huge bell which has a story behind it. It is said that on certain days the bell rings which indicates that a tragedy is going to take place in the village. So even now it believed to happen. But on normal days, even during high velocity winds, the bell doesn't budge.
  
We then went inside the temple complex. The archaeological evidences indicate that the temple was built in 900 AD by the Western Ganga rulers. On the North side we have a 4ft idol of Lord Adinatha, the main deity. Within the temple complex we have 5 different temples called Trikutas and Dwikutas facing each other. We have the Tirthankara idols in them as the main deity. The doors and walls of the temple are carved with flowers and animals which is a sight to watch. Also the ceilings have exquisite carvings.
                

   One could still feel the sounds of the once great dynasty here and such heritage should only be maintained by us and appreciated. This is one of the most amazing archaeological discoveries in the Indian history and is an asset to be preserved.
Just next to the temple we have the Jain mutt and we were fortunate to have blessings of Swamiji there. He explained us how this ancient site was left neglected over centuries and what steps are being taken by the ASI now to preserve its heritage. Recently a rare statue of Bahubali was unearthed at Kambadahalli by the archaeological department. It is believed that the devotees first visit the Holy place of Shravanabelagola which is around 18 kms from here, and then come to Kambadahalli on the way back to Bangalore.
Next we asked if there is any place nearby, we were told that there is a Garuda temple on the way in the village of Bindiganavile. It is an old temple built in Dravidian style. The Garuda statue here is believed to be very powerful as Garuda temples are not very common.
After having darshan of the Lord, we bid farewell to the place and headed back to Bangalore.

    How to reach: Take the NH48 Bangalore-Mangalore highway turn left at Bellur Cross to reach Kambadahalli. 
Buses from Bangalore to Bellur Cross are available, from Bellur cross, take a bus to Nagamangala which will pass through Kambadahalli.
Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kambadahalli
Map: View Larger Map

Comments

  1. Nice shots and looks like a lovely place.

    www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com

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  2. Beautiful shots. Never knew this place before.

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  3. wow this is so beautiful
    kambadahalli - keley irlilla! thanks for sharing

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  4. Thanks Niranjan.
    @Rajesh and Sujatha : Yeah.. Its a hidden treasure. :)

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  5. Beautiful grand structures. The carvings are so rich, pleases a weary traveller...
    Also the scenes on the roads are very good... Loved the picturesque journey to a place I have never been too.

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  6. Overall wonderful place to visit .There are some interesting stories linked to this place. Visit:http://payaniga.com/2007/07/a-short-ride-to-kambadahalli.html .

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  7. Thanks Arti and TeamG..
    @TeamG: Yeah.. Heard abt the stories from the Swamiji in the Mutt.

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  8. पूरी कोशिश रहेगी, यहाँ भी जाने की

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  9. Very beautiful temple and awesome pics. :)

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  10. @Sandeep: Yes.. Its a nice place to visit.. Let me know if u need any more details to reach there..
    Thanks Miss Nomad and Varun!!

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  11. Hi
    Nice place with historical importance. Photos are really beautiful..

    Another historical place related to jain

    http://krishnasepages.blogspot.com/2011/06/chitharal-rock-cut-temple-jain-monument.html

    thanks for sharing

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  12. @Krishna: Thanks for ur comment..

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  13. amazing pics.
    Esp. Magadi Road:)

    keep it goin;)

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  14. Dilip Gopinath25 July 2012 at 15:12

    Had been to this place.. its indeed beautiful..Sad that not many know about this place..

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  15. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  16. Hi Arun. Thanks to your article in The Hindu, me and my family visited Kambadahalli. It was magnificent! :) I could not find your email id on the blog. Please pass it on - I'd like to send you some pics that I have taken

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