The Parshvanatha Basadi was built in the 11th–12th century CE[1] according to an inscription found on a temple pillar.[2] The manastambha pillar in front of the temple was erected by Puttayya during the reign of Chikka Devaraja (1645–1704 CE) of the Mysore Kingdom.[3]
The temple
The loft temple plan consists of a garbhagraha (inner sanctum), a shallow sukanasa (entrance ornament), a large pillared mandapa (pavilion), and a cornered porch. The temple stands on a high plinth of five moldings.[4] The temple's mulnayak, the idol of Parshva, is an 18 feet (5.5 m) monolithic idol standing over a lotus pedestal in the kayotsarga posture and a hood of seven-headed serpents overhead.[5] The idol has been noted as a fine example of craftsmanship with detailed carving of the hood and a sculptured lotus pedestal.[6] The manastambha is a 65.5 feet (20.0 m) tall pillar.[2] The pillar has a square base and is adorned with Jain images. The top of the pillar depicts a chaturmukha (four-faced) idol of Padmavati, four-armed Yaksha, Kushmandini and Brahma riding on a horse.[5][3] Parshvanatha basadi is considered the most important in the Jain temple complex of Chandragiri Hill for its architecture.[7]
This temple is one of the Archaeological Survey of India's Adarsh Smarak Monument along with other temples in the Shravanabelagola group of monuments.[8]
