Basadi Hoskote

 Jain temple / derasar  Add category

Basadi Hoskote is a unique Jain temple situated at Back waters of KRS in Mysore District. It is just 55Km from Mysore. The shrine houses five basadis called pancha basadi. Pancha basadi is dedicated to Adinath, Shanthinath, Neminath, Mahavir and Bahubali. The main attraction of this shrine is an 18 feet high idol of Bahubali. This is the highest idol of Bahubali in the district. Mahamastakabhisheka is held to Bhagawan Bahubali Swami at the Basadi Hosakote. The last was on 24th Oct,2004 where 50 litres of milk, tender coconut, sandal wood paste and flowers are offered as Mastakabhisheka. The event is taking place after a period of 15 years. The unique feature of the shrine is the fact that though there are no jain community people residing in the soorounding area, villagers from the surrounding Sapanahalli, Basthi Hoskote, Hosa Mavinakere, Hale Mavinakere, Ganjigere, Ballenahalli, Murukanahalli, Kurubarabasti, Kabbalagerepura and Machgonahalli village participate actively in the puja. Now, the sculptures in and around the temple premises are in dilapidated condition. Many mantaps can also be seen which are built during the reign of Vishnuvardhana, a Hoysala king. A mantap which was built by Punesamaiah, a Chieftain was one of the popular Jain centres during the Hoysala rule. It has become a hub for buffaloes who gaze here and have destroyed many a valuable sculptures. The temple also lacks basic facilities.

One has to take the Mysore - Channarayapatna state highway via Modur and travel further on Bookanakere, Machagonahalli, Kurubarabasti or through Krishnarajapet, Vittalapura, Ganjigere, Machagonahalli and reach Basadi Hoskote.

Feel of Shame :
Mud roads lead to the Basadi Hosakote, where Gommata idols lie in a state of neglect. The 18-ft tall ‘Khadgaasana’ idol is safe, but a Thirthankara idol has been beheaded, and other two ‘Charama Thirthankara’ idols lie in the bushes. The basadi now has been converted into a open toilet for the villagers. The Aretippuru Gommata idol stands tall on a hilltop, but no buses go there. If u visit the place u find 3 Tirthankar's idols been fallen carelessy and another idol which is Half broken [with out face]. The worst thing to be noted here is its about 25 Km from sharavanbelgola and is not at been developed or saved my the Indain Govt during last years Mahamastakabhisheka where crores and crores of money was spent, I think just 10 lakhs would have make this palce famous.

Antiquity of Basadihalli:
Basadihalli situated at the north bank of the world famous Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) reservoir belonging to Mandya district and is about 20 kms from Krishnarajapeth and 30 kilometers from Padavapura. It is known for its relics of the past and appeared deserted, But it has found its new race of hope and scope in the early part of this 21st century. The place houses the statue of Lord Bahubali about 14 feet high and bears its significance and sanctity. This sculpture has drawn the attention of the Jains and others from time to time but only to be found invain. It has remained as the vestige of the past waiting for the new vista in the modern world. The pages of the history mention that the statue was installed by Punisimmayya the commander in chief of Vishnuvardhana, the Hoysala king. The inscription belonging to 1147 A.D. of Hoysala period throw much light on the statue and its surroundings. The statue is carved out of soap stone and is seen slightly slanting to its right side and is sheltered by a construction arround. One can see the beautifully carved branches, petals at the feet and legs of the statue. The examination of the surrounding area reveals the mutilated pieces of sculpture and architecture. The damaged sculptures of Parshwanatha and other Tirthankaras in sitting (padmasana) and standing (kayotsarga) postures, the bodyguards, the ruined mantaps and their roofs, the pillars, the parapets and other portions of the Jain temple existing are seen leading the pilgrims and tourists into a state of grief and sorrow. The remains at the place vouchify the existance of PanchaJinalayas. One of the stones reveals the inscription of Punisimmaiah was a grear warroir, donor and loyal person. His father was Chamaraja and grandfather Chamachamupa. An inscription found in Vijaya Parshwanatha Temple in Chamarajanagar temple also mentions his name. He also conquered some of the places of Kerala. He defeated the Kalaraja and Todas of Nilgiri Hills.
Punasimaiah endowed Basadihalli with Manikyadodaluru and Mavinakere Villages to provide the source of income for the celebration of pooja of Tirthankaras and Bahubali. He can be compared to Sri Chavundaraya of Shravanabelagola.
Another officer Somaiah also endowed the place for serving the food to Munis and to observe the deliberations in the Hoysala temple.
The river Kaveri has rendered a beautiful landscape for the place.

Reality Check with Photos :
www.flickr.com/photos/chipre/sets/72157601192875801/

Sources :
1. www.india9.com/i9show/Basadi-Hoskote-63394.htm
2. www.deccanherald.com/Archives/oct242004/d21.asp
3. epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JQkcvM...

- Brahmanand Chipre
Bangalore