Parshwanatha Basadi, Halebid

The Jain Temple complex in Halebid as three Jain Basadi's. Among them Parshwanatha Basadi facing the entrance of the Compound is the largest Basadi.  This was completed in  1113 AD in the memory of Ganga Raja, the commander of Vishnuvardhana Raya by his son Boppadeva. This Basadi looks simple externally, but the interiors is a contrast to the outside.

This Basadi built using soapstone consists of a garbhagriha, a sukhanasi, a navaranga and a detached mukhamandapa. The pillars of the mukhamandapa even though they are not polished they are beautifully ornate.

The square garbhagriha and the walls of the navaranga are plain but decorated with pilasters at intervals. In the navaranga the 12 black pillars that support the dome have been shaped attractively and thoroughly polished. 

The lathing of these pillars has been done very well and all the images on each of the pillars are very different from each another.

The image of Parshwanatha in the sanctum is an example of beautiful workmanship of that period. This 18 ft. tall sculpture with a seven hooded serpent over his head represents a perfect yogi or with a benign and sympathetic smile on his lips.

There is a attractive sculpture of Bhuvaneshwari in the underside sealing.