Just about 35 km from the bustling town of Mangaluru, lies the quaint town of Moodabidri that is known for its Jain temples or basadis as it is also called. A town that exudes plenty of rustic, old world charm, its streets are lined with ochre hued houses with sloping brick tiled roofs. With the coastal sun gleaming down through the coconut palms, these earthy colours are a treat for the eyes.
Brick tiled roofs and terracotta hued housesThe yesteryear buildings reflect a heritage and history that dates back several years.
I fell in love with houses like this!
The town also houses a temple dedicated to Goddess Gowri that dates back to the 7th century.
Inside Moodabidri’s Gowri templeThe soul of the town is however the thousand pillared temple or the Sāvira Kambada Basadi which is the most famous of the eighteen old Jains temples in the town. Here are some captures of this temple that was built in 1430 AD.
Sāvira Kambada Basadi temple entrance Inside the Sāvira Kambada Basadi templeThe carvings on the pillars are stunning and spectacular to say the least.
Pillars at the Sāvira Kambada Basadi templeThe carvings are intricate and the level of workmanship is superlative.
Intricate workmanship inside the Sāvira Kambada Basadi temple The quintessential Hoysala ‘lion’The local markets here, like everywhere else, are a treat for the senses and I, as always, made it a point to visit them.
Freshly harvested Arecanut The famous Udupi Mattu GullaTo read more posts on the South Canara region, click here and here.