lesser known Jain centre in the Karnataka State

Kambadahalli close to Nagamangala is a lesser known Jain centre in the State.

Kambadahalli close to Nagamangala is a lesser known Jain centre in the State. With well sculpted and renovated basadis, hillocks and rustic beauty, this place situated around 135 kms from Bangalore can be a quiet weekend destination. To reach here one has to drive on the beautiful Hassan Road (NH 48) till Bellur Cross (105 kms) and turn left to reach Nagamangala, 17 kms away. Kambadahalli lies 15 km to the west from here on the Shravanabelagola Road. A deviation to the right from the main road after 14 km, will lead you to the village.

Popularly called Athishaya Kshetra, this place seems to be the oldest shrine. It seems there were as many as 72 basadis in the 9th century itself when Saint Ananthaveerya Muni visited here. Though only a few of them remain today, they have recently been renovated and are in good shape, under the patronage of Swasthishree Bhanukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji. Take a disciple of the Math along to guide you through the area.

The five basadis or mantapas, are a cluster. The first one on the right is for Chandranatha. Facing this is the shrine for Shanthinatha, the outer wall of which has a neatly carved Kalpavruksha. Going further a group of three basadis called Trikuta is reached where the central sanctum has Adinatha flanked by standing images of Parshwanatha. To the northeast is the large Bhandara Basadi on a raised platform.

The unique feature of the statue of Mahaveera here is that it produces different sounds at different parts of the body when struck with a coin. Also the exquisitely carved image of Kooshmandini and the intricate door designs are not to be missed. In the front yard of the Math premises stands a 50-foot Brahmasthambha with an image of Brahma Yaksha. This is what the village is named after. Except during January when special poojas and abhishekas take place, the surroundings are quiet.

Other things to do at Kambadahalli include a trek up the hill of Bettada Anjaneya, a km away. The flight of steps may be steep but the little cave temple at the top and the sweeping view of the countryside all merit the effort.

On the way back is another special place to be visited. Two kms away is Addhihalli and a drive to the left for 1.5 kms takes you to Bindiganavile village. It is only here that a full fledged shrine for Garuda has been built and it houses a beautiful idol of Vinatheya (Garuda). The annual car festival takes place in February. And for those who wish to offer special pujas, choultry / rooms are available for accommodation.

Back in Nagamangala, if you have time and interest, do visit the imposing Soumyakeshava temple.

TRAVEL TIPS
*How to reach: Drive on Hassan Road (NH 48) to Bellur Cross (105 kms) via Kunigal and Yediyur. At Bellur cross take the road on the left to reach Nagamangala (17kms). Proceed 14 kms on Shravanabelagola road and turn right for one km.

*Where to stay: Nagamangala has a couple of hotels. At Bindiganavile temple you can get temple accommodation. (Contact Keshava Bhattar ? 08234-284018).

http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/jun292006/metrothurs161602006628.asp