Karnataka · Travel

Photoessay: Moodabidri Musings – Saavira Kambada Basadi and more

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 houses
Brick tiled roofs and terracotta hued houses

The 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 temple
Inside Moodabidri’s Gowri temple

Inside Moodabidri's Gowri temple

The 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
Sāvira Kambada Basadi temple entrance

Inside the Sāvira Kambada Basadi temple
Inside the Sāvira Kambada Basadi temple

The carvings on the pillars are stunning and spectacular to say the least.

Pillars at the Sāvira Kambada Basadi temple
Pillars at the Sāvira Kambada Basadi temple

The carvings are intricate and the level of workmanship is superlative.

Intricate workmanship inside the Sāvira Kambada Basadi temple
Intricate workmanship inside the Sāvira Kambada Basadi temple

The quintessential Hoysala 'lion'
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
Freshly harvested Arecanut
The famous Udupi Mattu Gulla
The famous Udupi Mattu Gulla

To read more posts on the South Canara region, click here and here.

6 thoughts on “Photoessay: Moodabidri Musings – Saavira Kambada Basadi and more

  1. Such beautiful photos Rashmi. Especially of the simple houses full of character. Love the close up shots and the temple shots too. Beautiful! Karnataka sure has so much to explore and discover even in tiny villages!

    1. Thanks Divsi:) So happy you liked the post! And yes there is looots to explore in Karnataka too, just like the rest of India:)

  2. That’s such a lovely trip. I love visiting these charming little towns off the track. So much character and no pretence. Did you just go for a day visit or stayed here? I would love to stay here.

    Also I couldn’t find a “search” button on your site…

    1. Hi, thanks for reading, glad you liked the post. I did not stay there but am sure there are a lot of options; it is also quite close to Udupi.
      There is a search button, just below my Instagram feed. Hope this helps:)

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