MANDARAGIRI

MANDARAGIRI; Roughly 20 km from Shivaganga, lies the Basadi Betta, or Mandargiri Hills. "Basadi" means Jain shrine or a temple, usually a term used in South India. The term is obtained since a number of temples are situated on the top of the hill. It is a great holy place related to the salvation of 12th Teerthankar 1008 Bhagawan Vasupoojya Swami. This place is related to the three Kalyanka – Tup, Gyan & Moksha of Bhagawan Vasupoojya. It means that this is the place where Vasupoojya Swami accepted penance, achieved the super natural knowledge and finally got salvation the final liberation from world. His first precept was also delivered here.. Pinchi-Shaped Gurumandir is located at the base of the hills. It is a beautiful mandir, shaped in the form of peacock feathers, hence the name "Pinchi" (translates to peacock). A Pinchi shaped 81 feet Guru Mandir Unique world record.. The Guru mandir is dedicated to the Digambara Jain ascetic Sri Shantinsagarji Maharaj. Opposite to the rear-end of the temple, lies the view of the picturesque Mydala Lake. With a permission from the temple management, an overnight stay is possible on the hills. Jain Temple Complex The serene Mandargiri hill houses a temple complex, consisting of four temples. Two of those are dedicated to Bhagawan Chandranatha and were built in the 12th century BC. The other two are for Lord Parshwanatha and Lord Suparshwanatha each, built in 14th ceuntury BC. Devotees from places visit these temples, and sometimes sit for meditation. And at the top of this hillock is a temple complex with 4 small but ancient temples that date back 800 – 1000 years. Two are dedicated to Chandranatha and the remaining two to Parsavnath. The temples are spotlessly clean and very well maintained. there is no crowd – and remember to take the keys from the base when you go up ( Shivaraj – 8550036564 – is the caretaker). Its a nice calm serene place. Lock up the temple and go to the back side of the Temple complex – you will see a beautiful lake. You can be adventurous and try walking down – but the slope is steep. Main Temple & Idol : In front of Mandar Hill railway station in Dig. Jain Dharmshala (Guest House), there is a very beautiful Jain temple decorated by the work of glass and sculptor. This temple with high pinnacles has an attractive Coral Colored idol of Lord Vasupoojya in cross legged seating posture. From Dharamshala, towards Hill at 500 Meters distance there is a beautiful temple, unique example of architectural art, has an idol of white stone of Lord Vasupoojya Swami. At the salvation place on the Hill, a grand Jain temple is there. A pair of feet images (about 3000 years old) is also installed there. Near the place of salvation, there is a place where Lord Vasupoojya attained the Kevalgyan (Supernatural Knowledge), there also 3 pairs of ancient feet images are installed. A little ahead, at the place of accepting penance by Lord Vasupoojya, here also a pair of feet image is installed. Near the place of salvation, a beautiful cave temple with 5 feet high standing idol is also viewable.. Trekking And Camping At Mandargiri: As previously mentioned, Mandargiri hills is an easy trek. It has 435 steps that can be completed in a span of 30 minutes as a whole. However, if you wish to have an overnight camp on the hills, you can do so with the permission of the temple owners. Carry water and food since there are no food stalls around the place. The temple office is located at the base of the hills. Before climbing up the hills, you can ask for the temple keys from the office, in case it is closed. Breakfast stop near Dobaspet at 9 AM. Shree Rathnam is a nice and efficient Veg restaurant – It has a big inviting poster and you can’t miss it. (The restaurant is located after a 10 – 15 min drive post the 2nd toll). Timing: Opens at 6:30 AM. Fee: None Distance: 85 Kms One way. Direction: Bangalore - Nelamangala - Dabaspete - Mandaragiri Steps: 434 Parking: Ample, road side. Food: None available. Carry Water. NEARBY PLACES Nijagal betta / Siddara betta - Exploring ancient temples Shivagange - Divine, Peace and Adventure Devarayanadurga - Greenery Redefined.