Location:  Moodabidri also called Mudabidri is lying 40 kilometers to the north-east of Mangalore, in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, Moodabdri  is a small town situated at a beautiful spot in the midst of hills. Moodabidri is often referred to as the Jain Kashi of south India, due to its 18 Jain basadis (temples) dedicated to the memory of the Tirthankaras . Jains from all parts of India come here to worship these  famous 18 Jaina basadis. . 

                   

  History:  The history of Jainism in Moodabidri is very ancient.  Jainism flourished in Moodabidri in the beginning of 13th century A.D.  During 14th - 16th centuries   Moodabidri witnessed an unprecedented growth as a center of Jain religion, culture, art and architecture and 18 Jain temples, Known as Basadis, were constructed during this period. The most famous among them are Guru basadi, Tribhuvana Tilaka Chudamani Basadi and Ammanavara Basadi. 
 Guru Basdi : The Guru basadi is believed to be the earliest of the Jain  monuments of this place. Lord Parshwanatha the 23rd Thirthankar of Jainism is the presiding deity of this temple. A beautiful stone idol of Parshwanatha, about 3.5 metres tall, is installed in the sanctum of this basadi. It is in this basadi that the rare Jain palm leaf manuscripts of 12th century A.D. known as ‘Dhavala texts’ were discovered.  
  Tribhuvana Tilaka Chudamani basadi : The Tribhuvana Tilaka Chudamani basadi is the largest of 
all basadis  and is considered to be the most ornate of the Jain temples of this region. This basadi is known as Thousand pillared temple (Savira Kambada Basadi) due to the large number and variety of pillars in this basadi  This is a huge granite construction originally built in 1430 A.D and was completed in three stages. The 2.5 metres tall bronze image of Lord Chandranatha Swami housed in the sanctum of this basadi is considered to be an image of utmost importance in Jainism. 
 This huge, three storied movement was constructed by the collective effects of the rulers, the Jain Swamiji, merchants and also the common people by this ancient city. The most beautiful part of this temple is the open pillared hall in front, consisting by a rich variety of ornate pillars. The pillars and the roof this open hall are decorated with beautiful and minute carvings typical of Vijayanagara style.
     
                
  The other basadis at Moodabidri are the following : 
(1) Badaga basadi            (2) Shettara basadi           (3) Hire basadi           (4) Betkeri basadi    
(5) Koti basadi                 (6) Vikrama Shetti basadi  (7) Kallu basadi          (8) Leppada basadi  
(9) Deramma Shetti basadi   (10) Chola Shetti basadi   (11) Maday Shetti basadi 
(l2) Baikanatikari basadi       (13) Kere basadi              (14) Padu basadi  
(15) Shri Mathada basadi     (16) Jaina Pathashaleya basadi, ete.
 There are beautiful images of Jain Trirthankar, Yakshas and Yakshis in every Jain basadi of Moodabidri. 
   Manasthambha  In front of the basadi the 15-meter tall freestanding single stone pillar called manasthambha  is indeed a marvel by art. Nagagala Devi, the queen of Bhairava Raja, erected the Manastambha, a huge monolith of a height of 50 feet, in front of the basadi.
 Jain tombs:   The Jain tombs and Nyaya basadi at Kodangallu, in the outskirts of Moodabidri are movements of great historical interest. 

   Jain Literature
   Moodabidri was an ancient  centre of Jain literature. Ratnakara Varni, the doyen of medieval Kannada literature and the author of Bharatesha Vaibhava belonged to this place. The famous Jain canonical texts known as Dhavala texts and also a number of palm leaf  manuscripts of immense literacy value are in the possession of the Jain monastery here. 
   Moodabidri a cultural capital of Dakshina Kannada district : The city has a large population of Jains who keep the spirit of Jainism still alive. Many Jain festivals are also being celebrated here throughout the year.
  MOODBIDRI DIGAMBAR Jain Basadi now in a shambles 
  Moodbidri which is one of the largest Jain pilgrimage centres in the world is now in a shambles. The city?s culture-rich temple, the Tribhuvana Tilaka Chudamani, popularly known as the 1000-pillar Basadi, is gradually beginning to lose its charm. The temple, built in 1430, is now a sorry sight, with its crumbling walls and damaged roofs. This is due to the highway traffic and mining in the vicinity. In fact a part of the temple complex also fell off recently. The three-storey temple complex is managed by a private trust called Dhavala Thraya Trust under the Jain Mutt of Moodbidri. The trust is facing financial difficulties and unable to maintain the temple. Swamiji of Jain Mutt Bhattaraka Charukirti Panditacharyavarya is observing the damage but for the shortage of funds unable to carryout the necessary maintenance. He says that appeal to the government regarding mining and traffic problems is not responded. In spite of the fact that local MLA is a Jain community member nothing is happening.

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