The Neminatha Jain Basadi in Lakshmeshwara is one of the oldest Jain temples in Karnataka, located near Pump Circle in the Lakshmeshwara taluk of Gadag district, Karnataka. It is dedicated to Lord Neminatha and is believed to have been built by the Kalyani Chalukya dynasty and later patronized by the Rashtrakuta kings.
The Neminatha Jain Basadi in Lakshmeshwara is situated 386 km from Bengaluru, 47 km from Gadag, and just 1 km from Lakshmeshwara.
Although the temple is built in the Chalukyan architectural style, it has undergone several modifications and renovations. The presiding deity of the temple is Neminatha, the 22nd Jain Tirthankara (represented by a conch shell). Due to the presence of a monolithic pillar carved with images of 1008 Jain Tirthankaras, the temple is also referred to as Sahasrakuta Basadi. The temple includes a sanctum (garbhagriha), a large ardhamandapa (inner hall), a large mahamandapa (main hall), and a rangamandapa (assembly hall). The rangamandapa features three entrances—on the south, north, and west. It has a miniature chaturmukha (four-faced) design, each face bearing three figures. The temple has a Rekhanagara-style shikhara (spire). A unique feature of this temple is the intricate representation of the 1008 Jina idols in miniature form.
A manastambha (pillar of honor) is erected in front of the temple. There are many exquisite carvings of dancers and musicians. Several damaged Jain idols can be seen on the wall of a nearby well. It is believed that Adikavi Pampa, a great Kannada poet, sat in this temple and composed the Adipurana. Though the temple was in a dilapidated state, it has since been renovated. It reflects the Kalyani Chalukyas’ keen interest in Jain architecture. An inscription can be found on the temple wall, and a conch shell is carved into the stone—symbolizing Lord Neminatha, whose emblem is the conch (Shankha). Hence, the place got the name Shankha (Shankha Chippu).
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