Chandragupta Basadi, Jain temple on Chandragiri Hill, Shravanabelagola, India.
Chandragupta Basadi is a Jain temple on Chandragiri Hill consisting of three cells linked by a narrow passageway and crowned by towers in Chola architectural style. An ornamental entrance doorway features perforated stone screens carved with Jain religious scenes and narratives.
The temple dates from the 9th century and stands as one of the older structures on the hill. Sculptor Dasojah added inscriptions and artistic embellishments during the 12th century, enriching the temple's sculptural program.
The three cells hold seated figures: Parshvanatha in the middle, Padmavathi to the right and Kushmandini to the left. In the verandah stand Dharanendra yaksha at the right end and Sarvahna yaksha at the left, and the hall contains a figure of Kshetrapala opposite the central cell.
The temple is compact in scale, so visitors can explore it thoroughly in a short time. Located on a hillside, access involves walking paths that may be uneven, so wear appropriate footwear.
The perforated eastern screen has its topmost stone placed at the bottom and the bottom stone at the top, breaking the alternation of rows; swapping them back makes the rows match the western screen. The label "dasoja" on one screen names the sculptor, likely the same carver who made bracket figures at the Chennakesava temple at Belur.
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