'Moodbidri' or 'Moodbidre' Mudbidri or Bedra, is a town about 30 km from Mangalore on NH 169 en route to Karkala, Shringeri, and to Sholapur. It is famous as 'Jain kashi' among Jain community. It is a fast growing community with a number of engineering colleges in its vicinity.

Understand

During 14th–16th centuries this town emerged as a center of Jain religion, culture, art and architecture. 18 Jain temples, known as Basadis, were constructed during this period. The Jain Math at Moodabadri is headed by a Bhattaraka belonging to the Mula Sangh order.

Get in

Moodbidri is south of Karkala lies on the Karkala-Mangalore route. It is about 30 km from Mangalore and 15 km from Karkala. From Mangalore it is about an hours drive on a two lane well paved road. It is connected with a number of express buses running at frequent intervals. All services are run by private operators and quality of the buses are above average. One can also reach Moodabidri from Karkala which is about 20 minutes with express buses every 15 minutes or so. In addition the other important town, Udupi is also connected to Moodabidri but the bus services are not as frequent as in the case of Mangalore and Karkala.

See

• Thousand pillar temple is called Tribhuvana Tilaka Chudamani basadi, which was built in the year 1430 AD. Savirakambada Basadi (Thousand Pillars Temple) built in AD 1462 Basadi of 1000 pillars, famous for its stone sculpture. Mahadwar, Bhairadevi, Chitradevi, Namaskaara, Teerthankara and Garbhagruha are the 8 Mantapas here. The idol (8ft high) of Chandranatha is established in the Garbhagruha. Supaarshwa and Chandraprabha Theerthankara idols are worth visiting. Navanaari kuinjara , a sculptural art piece that appears like an Elephant but nine dancers is the famous art in this Basadi. It is said that no two pillars are identical. The 2.5 meters tall bronze image of Lord Chandranatha Swami in the sanctum of this basadi is considered to be very sacred. This three storied construction was supported by the rulers, the Jain Bhattaraka Swamiji, merchants and the common people. The temple is famous for the open pillared hall in front, consisting by a large variety of ornate pillars decorated with carvings typical of Vijayanagara style. A 15-meter tall single stone pillar called manastambha stands in front of the basadi. Ratnakara Varni, the medieval Kannada author of Bharatesha Vaibhava belonged to this place. The famous Jain canonical texts known as Dhavala texts and also a number of palm leaf manuscripts of historical and literacy value are preserved in the Jain Math (monastery).
• Gowri temple in the heart of the city is the oldest temple in Moodbidiri. The temple is said to have been built in the 7th century.
• Hanuman temple in the heart of the city is the most famous temple around Moodbidri. People from many religions including Hindus, Muslims, and Christians offer prayers to the Lord Hanuman.
• Venkataramana temple is located very close to Hanuman temple Moodbidri. Newly renovated, and provides a peaceful calm place to clear your thoughts.
• Chowter Palace is the national monument near the city center.

Do

Due to its location Moodbidri is well connected to many other famous places. Example, Shringeri is 75 km, Udupi is situated at 60 km, with Mangalore and Karkala close by as mentioned above. Kateel is 22 km from Moodbidri, Hosanaadu Shri Annapurneshwari is about 8 km. Dharmasthala is 55 km away.

Eat

Traditional Jain and Konkani food. Hotel Sagar (bus stand), Hotel Padivals, Hotel new padivals, Hotel Jayamala, and other local eateries.

Drink

Tender coconut.

Sleep

Hotel Nishmitha, Hotel padivals, are value for money. Hotel Ballal Tourist for a luxury traveller.

Go next

Unlike its neighbourhood, Moodbidri is fast growing and has many stores for your travel needs. It should be your pit stop if you are a long distance traveller in this part of the country.