Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (HB)
Udupi, Sep 27: On the occasion of Word Tourism Day, ‘Katthale Basadi’ witnessed a pleasant surprise as it was decked with dazzling lights and lamps all around. People were seen busy in taking pictures of this delightful moment on Tuesday, September 26.
The tourism department and district administration Udupi organized a unique program in association with other organizations under the slogan of ‘Sustainable Tourism-A Tool for Development’ on World Tourism Day here.
Additional deputy commissioner Anuradha G inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp.
Speaking on the occasion, ADC Anuradha said, “Udupi is unique and has enough potential for development with regard to tourism. There are many historical places, beaches and temples which could be developed for tourists. Keeping this in mind, the Archaeological department of Bengaluru chose this religious centre Katthale Basadi for development. The programme was organized to create awareness about the historical importance of this Basadi in public. It is the responsibility of all to conserve and explore of our rich ancestral monuments.”
Superintendent of Archaeological department, Bengaluru, Murtheshwari said, “One should know the important heritage of his home town. If they do not know about them then there is no meaning of their education, status and qualification. Parents should motivate their children to promote home town tourists places. The department has selected 153 monuments under Bengaluru circle out of which 85 are in Humpi. Out of them 53 are World tourists heritage. There is a proposal to develop Shriranga Patna group of monuments and Hoysala monuments in Beluru and Halebeedu.”
“This year, proposal came from Udupi. I believe that the city has a special environment to attract tourists. Foreigners come to Udupi to see our rich heritage. And these legacies need to be conserved and protected. People have to cooperate to protect such historical monuments. These places should not be damaged at all.”
“We have formed a team of volunteers called ‘Swacch Pakhwada’ to keep the surroundings of these monuments neat and clean. The work in this regard has commenced on September 16 and will go up to September 30,” he said.
Murthishwari further urged people to save heritage to save nation.
Assistant director of tourism department Anitha also spoke on the occasion.
Manohar Shetty, founder, Sri Sairadha Developers, Girish, Archaeology survey of India, Shaila D'Souza, president, Barkur panchayat and others were present.
About Katthale Basadi:
Katthale Basadi is located in Barkuru and 18kms from Udupi. This town was once well known for its resplendent Jaina temples called ‘Basadi’. Today, only ‘Kathale Basadi’ is standing tall.
Kathale Basadi derives its name from black granite that gives the temple a dark appearance. The victory pillar at the entrance of the large courtyard is a welcoming sight. The sanctum sanctorum is surrounded by stone walls with sloping pillars over them. Originally the idol of Mahavir was installed. However after its destruction, it has been replaced by stone tablets with animal figures. There are 24 dents in the ground attesting the existence of 24 Jain Tirthankaras.
Behind the main building one finds an elaborate temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The unmistakable figure of Nandi, the bull and Shiva lingam explains that the temple is not just a place of worship for the Jains, but also to Shaivites.
Kathale Basadi is an ancient structure built by the Alupa rulers. Archaeologists state that they date back between 8 to 12th centuries. Barkur was commercial hub almost from the 2nd century. Evidences of Megatilithic and Mesolithic ages have been discovered recently. This place has yielded a little over 100 stone and several copper plate inscriptions. It is believed they belong to the Alupa, Hoysala, Vijayanagara and Keladi periods.