Shankha Basadi - Laxmeshwar

Where: 40 Kms from Gadag
How to reach: via SH 6
Best time to visit: All the year round
Time visited: Nov 2016
Time to see around: 0.5 Hours
Stay:  Gadag
Food: Gadag
Parking: Parking available outside premises

Tour Plan
Day 1: Pune-Kittur-Varur-Annigeri-Gadag 
Day 2: Gadag-Laxmeshwar-Gadag-Sudi-Gadag
Day 3: Gadag-Dambal-Lakkundi-Itagi-Bijapur
Day 4: Bijapur-Solapur




Day 2 - Laxmeshwar and Sudi (180 Kms)
Gadag-Laxmeshwar (40 Kms), Gadag-Sudi (50 Kms)




History as per internet
This takes back the history of Laxmeshwara to the 8th century; though the temple is in Chalukya style it has undergone many modifications and renovations.Neminath (Shankha is the symbol of Neminath), the 22nd Jain thirthankara, is the presiding deity of this Jain Basadi. Basadi, which consists of a Garbhagriha, a large Ardhamandapa, larger Mahamandapa and a Rangamandapa. The rangamandapa has three entrances (south, north and west). It has a chaturmukha structure in diminutive model, each of which carries three figures. it has a rekhanagara shikhara. The unique feature of this temple is the Sahasrakuta Jinabimba in minute form.

There is a Manasthamba erected in front of the temple. There are many splendid carvings of dancers and musicians.Many mutilated Jain idols can be found on the wall of a well nearby. Adikavi Pampa wrote Adi Purana, seated in this Basadi. Basadi is in ruins and renovated; it presents the interest of the Kalyani Chalukyas in Jain architecture.

Shankha Basadi is quiet temple. Some renovation work is still is progress.










Ventilated walls with yakshas and yakshis and many splendid carvings of dancers and musicians and some sculptures of Khajurao style can be found.








Ornamental door jamb



Inside View

Rare monolithic piece of Sahasra Jinabimbas (SahastraKut Jinalay)




After Darshan, our next stop was Ananthanatha Basadi.

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