In Kambadahalli we have ancient Brahmadeva Pillar in front of the temple Panchakuta Basadi. It is believed that the village got this name due to the pillar erected here. When Kambadahalli when translated in Kannada language it literally means "village with pillar". This is one of the few high-raised pillars in ancient South India.
This 57-feet-high pillar stands on an octagonal base. Tiers of floral motifs adorn its well-crafted shaft. On the pillar there are carvings of ashta dikpalakas. An inscription around the lower portion of the pillar dates back to 1118 A.D.
The pillar top has a square platform that holds aloft the seated image of Brahma Yaksha. The outer corners of the platform are embellished with hanging bells.
Panchakuta Basadi in Kambadahalli built during 8th century exhibits Dravidian architecture that was popular during the rule of Western Ganga Dynasty. Some of the artwork shows the influence of Chalukya-Pallava time.
This magnificent temple was built in two phases. In the first phase, three shrines were built with individual halls and three-dimensional superstructure. The halls of these three shrines open to a large common open hall.
They are constructed in such a way that the first tier measures a third of the total height of the tower, and the second tier measures one half the height of the first.
The main central shrine houses the image of Adhinatha. The other two shrines have the images of Shantinatha and Neminatha.
In the second phase two more shrines were built that were facing each other. They have individual hall and they open into a common open pillared porch. The temple has beautiful sculptures and carved door frames.
The entire complex is oriented towards the impressive Brahmadeva pillar and faces north.
Kambadahalli is a small village that is a Jain Heritage center. It is located just 18 Kms from Shravanabelagola another historic Jain center. The place has the name Kambadahalli due to the presence of Brahma Yaksha Pillar here.
As per the inscriptions the history of the place is more than 1500 years old. This place came into prominence as a Jain Center during the period of Gangas and Hoysalas dynasties. Here there are two Jain temples of historic importance. They are:
Though it is one of the oldest Jainism site sadly it is not part of tourist circuit. We visited this place late in the evening on our way back to Bangalore from Udupi. The place near by of interest is Shravanabelagola.
