Mandaragiri Guru Mandir – Unique Jain Temple

Emerging from the Mandargiri Hills in Tumkuru, close to Bangalore, is a beautiful pinchi 81ft. tall Jain Mandir. For the uninitiated pinchi is a peacock feather broom used by Jain monks. The architectural details of the Mandargiri Jain Temple which is modelled on a monastic broom left me stunned when I saw it for the first time. ‘How does one get such ideas?’ I thought as I gaped in silence.

The artistic depictions of peacock feathers in art and architecture of India is very common, but this peacock feather temple beats all. I had written on this concept before. Read: Peacocks in Indian Art and Architecture

Peacock Feather Temple Mandaragiri

Jainism in Karnataka

Jainism has a rich history in Karnataka, with the Mandaragiri Guru Mandir standing out as a unique temple among many other Jain temples near Bangalore that are perfect for weekend getaways for those interested in history, architecture, and religion.

The roots of Jainism in Karnataka can be traced back to the 3^rd century BC, when Shrutakevali Acharya Bhadrabahu predicted a twelve-year-long famine in Bihar, India. As a result, he led the migration of the Jain community to the south, with his disciple Chandragupta Maurya and thousands of his men following him. They eventually settled at Chandragiri Hill, one of the two hills in Shravanabelagola, located in the state of Karnataka.

Chandragupta Maurya is credited with the spread of Jainism in Karnataka. After renouncing his kingly privileges and throne, he became a Jaina and spent his last years as a Jaina ascetic in Karnataka. As a result of his influence, Karnataka now has several impressive Jain temples.

I had the opportunity to visit Aretippur a few years ago, where I discovered abandoned Jain idols and other remnants, providing clear evidence that the place was once inhabited by Jains many centuries ago.

Read more: Abandoned Jain Idols in Aretippur.

Mandaragiri Guru Mandir

About Mandaragiri Hills

Let us understand the meaning of the names: Basadi Betta is the local name of Mandargiri hills. Here Basadi means Jain Temple and betta means hill in Kannada language. Basadi betta translates to Hill with Jain temple.

In Jainism Mandargiri is a Siddha Kshetra (place from where people have attained liberation (Moksha). This is not to be confused with Mandar Parvat in Champapur town of Bihar.

Among Hindus, Mandar is one of the names of God Ganesha, and translates to coral tree or tree in heaven. In Urdu, Mandar means the Place of Worship. Giri translates to hill in Hindi and Sanskrit.

Mandaragiri Hilltop

Mandaragiri Guru Mandir

I can’t seem to stop talking about the remarkable Jain Temple in Mandaragiri, also referred to as Mandaragiri Guru Mandir and Peacock Feather Temple, ever since my return. The temple’s extraordinary feature of integrating a broom made of peacock feathers into its architectural design is sure to leave you amazed as well.

Read on to know the history, architectural details and interesting facts of this Pinchi shaped Jain Temple.

History of Guru Mandir in Mandaragiri Tumkuru District

In May 2014, the Guru Mandir was established at Mandaragiri. The temple was dedicated to the Digambar Jain ascetic Acharya 108 Sri Shanthinsagarji Maharaj (1872-1955), who is recognized for revitalizing the Digambar Jain asceticism during the 20^th century.

The inauguration of the Jain Temple in Mandaragiri was held from 9^th to 11^th in May 2014. Several revered Jain Muni (monks) from different Jain Math (monasteries) graced the occasion. The names of monks present during the occasion are Muni 108 Sri Pranama Sagarji Maharaj, Muni 108 Sri Prasanna Sagarji Maharaj, His Holiness Swasti Sri Bhanukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of Kambadahalli Jain Math, His Holiness Swasti Sri Bhuvanakeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of Kanakagiri Jain Math and His Holiness Swasti Sri Vrushabasena Bhattarakha Swamiji of Lakkavalli Jain Math.

The idol of Acharya Sri Shanthisagarji was unveiled on May 16, 2013 by Acharya 108 Sri Devanandi Muni Maharaj. After the unveiling, the idol of Acharya Sri Shanthi Sagar Ji was taken all over India as Ahimsa Shanthi Ratha Yatra. The statue was finally placed here in Guru Mandir at Mandaragiri in Tumkur district of Karnataka.

Idol of Acharya Sri Shanthisagarji

Architectural details of the Peacock Feather Temple

The Mandaragiri Guru Mandir, dedicated to Acharya 108 Sri Shanthinsagarji Maharaj, has a unique architecture shaped like a spread-out monastic broom made of peacock feathers.

The concept of incorporating the shape of a peacock feather broom into the architecture of a temple was something entirely new and innovative to me. As I explored the temple further, I discovered that the use of peacock feathers in Jainism was not just limited to cleaning tools, but had a deep spiritual significance as well.

Significance of Peacock Feathers in Jainism

Jain saints use peacock feathers in their daily life as a symbol of non-violence towards all living beings. The feathers are a by-product of nature, shed by the peacock naturally without any harm being done to the bird. The feathers are then collected, cleaned and tied up to form a broom, which the saints use to sweep the ground in front of them as they walk, to avoid accidentally harming any small insects.

Peacock feathers also do not collect dust, keeping them fresh-looking, although they do wear off over time. The saints replace the old peacock feathers with new ones every year.

Guru Mandir, which covers an area of 2400 sq ft, stands tall at 81 ft. (24.68 m) and was constructed in an impressive 18 months. Upon closer examination, I noticed that the top of the dome has a hook-like shape, resembling the loop of a thread that is used to hang a broom on a wall. The dome, which is designed to look like a spread-out monastic broom, is adorned with vibrant peacock feather paintings in shades of indigo blue, green, white, and orange.

Peacock feather Mandaragiri

A small flight of steps leads you to the interior of the temple. Inside there is a white coloured 5 ft. high marble idol of the main deity, a Jain monk, Acharya Sri Shanthi Sagar Ji Maharaj in Padmasana. The walls all round have framed pictures of stories related to the life of Acharya Shanthisagarji Maharaj.

What else to see around in Mandaragiri

The well-maintained roads in Mandaragiri make it a breeze to get around and explore the area.

A 6.4 m monolithic statue of Chandraprabha is located near Guru Mandir. This is much smaller compared to the Gomateshwara statue I had seen in Shravanabelagola.

There is a large manastambha (A pillar constructed in front of Jain temples or large Jain statues. In North India, they are topped by four Tirthankara images) in front of the temple.

Manastambha Mandaragiri

Don’t miss visiting the Mandaragiri hilltop.

The Mandaragiri hill trek is a relatively easy one, as the hillock has a gentle slope and consists of 435 well-carved steps. The climb usually takes around 45 minutes at a normal pace, providing a great opportunity to enjoy the scenic views of the Pandithanahalli village and the captivating Mydala Kere Lake. At the top, there are four twelfth-century temples and one stupa that are surrounded by a sturdy stone wall, which features beautiful paintings of Tirthankaras.

The entrance of the temple with two pillars bears carvings of elephants and an image of Tirthankara seated on a lotus pedestal. The first temple doesn’t enshrine any idols. Other three temples are dedicated to Jain monks Chandraprabha, Parshvanatha and Suparshvanatha. The stupa houses one stone slab with a carving of a footprint.

Traveller tips

• When to visit Mandaragiri Hills? – Oct to Feb is the best month to make a trip to Basadi Betta. In case you plan to visit during other months try reaching late evenings. Visit the Peacock Feather temple first and then trek to Mandaragiri hilltop to witness the mesmerizing sunset.
• There is lot of parking space near the Guru Mandir at a nominal rate. There are washroom facilities too.
• Not many restaurants nearby. It is better to pack food and bring along.
• The whole place can be done in a tour time of three hours, unless you want to linger on for the sunset.

Monolithic statue of Chandraprabha

Location of Mandargiri Hills

Mandaragiri Hills is located approx. 60 km from Bangalore city. It is 82.7 km from Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru via NH75 and NH 48 (the route has tolls).

How to reach Mandaragiri Guru Mandir

The nearest metropolitan city from Mandaragiri is Bangalore. You can do the road trip from Bangalore to Mandaragiri along – Bangalore-Nelamangala-Dabaspet-Mandaragiri Hill, a distance of approx. 60 km.

Nearest railway station is Tumkur Railway Station (Station code: TK, 12 Km). Hire a private vehicle or auto that will drop you off at Mandaragiri.

There are plenty of public transport buses too that ply between Bangalore and Tumkuru. If you take the bus, get down at Pandithanahalli cross or Basadi Betta Cross. It may be difficult to get an auto at odd hours. In that case, cross the national highway and walk through Panditha Nahalli village, for about 1.5 km till you sight the peacock feather temple.

Books in Mandaragiri Guru Mandir

Conclusion

The use of peacock feathers in the temple architecture was a symbol of the Jain philosophy of non-violence and respect for all forms of life. As I stood in awe of the temple’s intricate details, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of peace and serenity, knowing that every aspect of this temple was designed with a profound spiritual significance.

Visiting the Mandargiri Guru Mandir was truly a unique and enlightening experience, and one that I will never forget.

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You may like these:

• Jeenaswamy Trilokyanathar Jain Temple
• Ranakpur Jain Temple near Kumbhalgarh
• Lodurva Jain Temple Jaisalmer

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Indrani Ghose is an Indian Travel Writer and Blogger based in Bangalore, India. She has written for numerous publications across the globe – including Lonely Planet, The National UAE, Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald. You can follow her on her social media handles Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.