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Saavira Kambada Basadi, widely known as the Thousand Pillar Temple, is a 15th-century Jain shrine in Moodbidri. It is famous for its 1,000 uniquely carved granite pillars and its towering 8-foot idol of Chandranatha Swami.
The Thousand Pillar Temple, locally referred to as Saavira Kambada Basadi, is a major historical and religious landmark in Moodbidri (26km from karkala). Built in 1430 AD by a local chieftain under the Vijayanagara Empire, the temple is dedicated to Chandranatha Swami, the 8th Jain Tirthankara. The main sanctum houses an impressive 8-foot tall idol made of panchaloha, a sacred five-metal alloy.
The most striking feature of the temple is its architecture. The structure is supported by 1,000 intricately carved granite pillars, and remarkably, no two pillars share the same design. The temple also features a distinctive sloping roof with Nepalese and Tibetan architectural influences, designed to protect the structure from heavy coastal monsoons. As the largest and most famous of the 18 historical Jain basadis in Moodbidri, it is a primary destination for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and pilgrims.
