Moodabidri
History
History
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Moodabidri was ruled by the Jain [Chowta dynasty](/wiki/Chowta_dynasty_%28Tulu_Nadu%29 "Chowta dynasty (Tulu Nadu)") 1603, who moved their capital to Moodabidri in 1603\. They lost power when the region was taken over by Tipu Sultan They continued symbolic rituals after the British defeated Tipu Sultan. The last coronation at Moodabidri was done in 1865 according to a pattavali.

There are 18 lakes, 18 Jaina Basadis, 18 temples, and 18 roads connecting various villages in Moodbidri.

During 14th–16th centuries this town emerged as a center of [Jain](/wiki/Jain "Jain") religion, culture, art and architecture. 18 Jain temples, known as [Basadis](/wiki/Basadi "Basadi"), were constructed during this period. The Jain Math at Moodabidri is headed by a [Bhattaraka](/wiki/Bhattaraka "Bhattaraka") belonging to the [Mula Sangh](/wiki/Mula_Sangh "Mula Sangh") order.

The most famous among them are Guru basadi, Tribhuvana Tilaka Chudamani Basadi (known as "Thousand Pillar Temple") and Ammanavara Basadi.

* **[Guru basadi](/wiki/Guru_basadi "Guru basadi")** is the earliest of the Jain monuments. A stone idol of Parshwanatha, about 3\.5 metres tall, is installed in the sanctum of this basadi. Here the rare Jain palm leaf manuscripts of 12th century A.D. known as ‘[Dhavala](/wiki/Dhavala "Dhavala") texts’ are preserved.
* **[Saavira Kambada Basadi](/wiki/Saavira_Kambada_Basadi "Saavira Kambada Basadi")** basadi is the largest and the most ornate of the Jain temples of this region. People also call this temple Thousand Pillared Temple or Tribhuvana Tilaka Chudamani. This is a large granite temple built in 1430 A.D. The 2\.5 metres tall bronze image of Lord Chandranatha Swami in the sanctum of this basadi is considered to be very sacred. This three\-storey construction was supported by the rulers, the Jain [Bhattaraka](/wiki/Bhattaraka "Bhattaraka") Swamiji, merchants and the common people. The temple has an open pillared hall in front, consisting of a large variety of ornate pillars decorated with carvings typical of [Vijayanagara](/wiki/Vijayanagara "Vijayanagara") style. A 15\-meter tall single stone pillar called [manastambha](/wiki/Manastambha "Manastambha") stands in front of the basadi.
* **[Ratnakara Varni](/wiki/Ratnakaravarni "Ratnakaravarni")**, the medieval Kannada author of Bharatesha Vaibhava belonged to this place. The Jain canonical texts known as Dhavala texts and also a number of palm leaf manuscripts of historical and literacy value are preserved in the Jain Math (monastery).

Moodabidri was the seat of the [Chowtas](/wiki/Chowta "Chowta"), a Jain ruling family, who were originally located at Puthige, about 5 km from here. They moved their capital to Moodabidri in the 17th century. The remains of the 17th century Chowta Palace is known for its carved wooden pillars and ceilings.

* **Gowri Temple** in the heart of the city is said to have been built in the seventh century.
* **Hanuman Temple** in the heart of the city is the most famous temple around Moodbidri. People from many religions including Hindus, Muslims, and Christians offer prayers to the Lord Hanuman.

Who is Ratnakara Varni and what is his connection to Moodabidri?