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Historical Thousand Pillar Basadi Damaged Due to Blasting Activities
By Shekar Ajekar Daijiworld Media Network - Moodbidri (RD/CN)
Moodbidri, Mar 1: Two slabs on the roof of the historical Thousand Pillar Basadi were damaged a few days ago, much to the astonishment of archaeology enthusiasts. Swami Charukirti Bhattaraka of Jain Mutt here has said that arrangements are underway to restore the slabs.
Addressing media persons, Swami Bhattaraka said that a large fissure had formed on the entrance of the Basadi known as ‘Tribhuvana Chudamani’.

 

He said that he suspected this was due to explosives used in blasting the boulders that lie less than 200 meters away and the heavy vehicular traffic which passes on National Highway 13 that lies a few meters away from the Basadi,.
Swami Charukirti Bhattaraka stressed on the union government’s directive to lay highways at a distance of at least 500 meters away from national monuments of archaeological significance by laying bypass roads, thereby safeguarding historical worship centers.
He also laid emphasis that the Thousand Pillars Basadi does not have any other source of income and they find it difficult to pay huge electricity bills every month. The state administration had electrified the Basadi at a cost of Rs 3.5 lac but not granted any other fund for its upkeep.
He also said that visitors to the Basadi enjoy free access and it would continue even in the future although media persons suggested imposing entry fees.
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Similarly, the local tatents are treated as cheap by the locals.
I and like me several people were not knowing the importance of this monument previously because it is very close to our area.
One of my friends is a Jain who is from Gujarat. He said that it is one of their most holy places and he will definitely one day visit there because it is a great place for Jains.
That point onwards, I started thinking deeply about this monument.
Whenever I pass through this place, I used to think why the govt can not maintain it properly. It is a tourist spot which has the potential of attracting millions of people around the world.
Instead of waiting for the govt to do something, why can't we the public float a forum and work out the modalities for its upkeep irrespective of caste creed and religion? What is important is a strong machanism to look after this great piece of historic monument(income can be generated lateron)!