Jain temples across the world are noted for their fantastic architecture and intricate designs. The most famous of Jain temples worldwide are those at Mount Abu in Rajasthan, India. But there are several equally artistic and aesthetically monuments worthy of the world heritage status, but for some reason have escaped the eye of UNESCO. A case in point is Kamala Basadi aka Lotus Temple in Belgaum, the north-western border district of the south Indian state of Karnataka. This quaint antiquated Jain shrine is an architectural marvel built over a thousand years ago. The entirely stone building has been protected and maintained in its pristine state by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Kamala Basadi meaning Lotus Temple has been built in the later Chalukyan style of architecture and according to historians it was executed under the orders of one Bichana or Bichiraja, a minister of Kartavirya IV of the Ratta dynasty in 1204 AD. Since the Rattas gave generous grants towards construction of the Kamala Basadi it is also called the Ratta Jinalaya.
Kamala Basadi derives its name after the most striking feature of this shrine — the 72-petalled lotus carved on the ceiling of the mukhamantapa (outer hall). The floral designs on the roof have a pendant of lotus projecting from the centre, indeed an awe-inspiring creation in stone. It is this unique work of art which has given the name Kamala Basati (Kamal = lotus) to the monument. The intricately designed and carved pendent depicts a 72-petal lotus flower. According to a local priest, the past present and future 24 Tirthankars (Jain spiritual leaders) are shown on the 72 petals of the lotus flower. The Mukhamantapa itself has a hexagonal ground plan surrounded by the kakshana and is supported by several shiny black granite pillars and has Ashtadikpalaka images on eight directions of the ceiling. Atop this is a hexagonal dome. The parapet of the kakshasana in the mukhamantapa has rows of dancing figures, fine geometric motifs and other figures of animals like elephants, horses etc.
The mukhamantapa leads into the navaranga which is supported by massive finely finished, circular and square pillars adorned with beautifully floral and geometric patterns. The navaranga wall niches have individual scu1ptures of Shantinatha, Padmavati and other Jain thirthankaras. Just above the entrance to the ardhamantapa are fine carvings of dancers, drumbeaters and other musicians. It seems as though every stone used in the construction of the temple has gone through the beautification process at the hands of a master sculptor. Even the threshold and parapet stones are adorned with beautiful relief sculptures.
The door from the ardhamantapa leads to the star shaped garbhagriha (sanctum), which enshrines a 7 ft tall shiny black stone image of Bhagawan Neminath with an ornate prabhavali and makaratoranas (floral carvings). Other idols in the temple include that of Bhagwan, Shantinatha, Sumatinath, Parshwanatha, Adinath and Navagrahas.
