Chapter 7. The Lost Kingdom of the Jains
Pepper Queen Chennabhairadevi not only built the Mirjan Fort and conducted a successful spice trade, but also practiced Jainism and built many Jain Basadi in Karnataka.
My curiosity and thirst for adventure left me with no choice but to go in search of the lost kingdom of the Jains. All that remains of the kingdom is an ancient basadi and various artifacts dug out of the bowels of the earth.
The entrance to Chaturmukha Basadi is not always open, and the possibility of getting inside always remains at the mercy of the universe. I was lucky: the doors to the temple were open. Nothing remained of the Jain kingdom for seven centuries. Only the basadi temple, a well and a couple of buildings have been preserved, in which archaeologists store the artifacts found. ⠀
Chaturmukh is translated as four-faced, so the structure of the temple is absolutely symmetrical and has four entrances leading to Garbhagriha. Garhagriha has four separately seated sculptures of Tirthankara, facing four exits. Tirthankaras symbolize the comprehensive knowledge of the cosmos. It is surprising that the temple is built of carved granite rocks without any binding material. The Jains who lived in this place preached no harm to any living being. They observed strict asceticism, their old people passed away, refusing to eat. In order not to accidentally swallow some midge, Jains wear bandages on their faces. They walk the streets with a broom so as not to crush a living creature.
You can get to the temple from the city of Karkala by car or taxi.
Coordinates: 14°13′43.4"N74°39′53"E / 14.228722°N 74.66472°E / 14.228722; 74.66472
Chaturmukha Basadi Main Entrance
Chaturmukha basadi from the end