Times of India

Mangalore, Mar 22: The Parshwanatha Swami basadi at Ullal, commonly known as Ullala Abbakka Devi Jaina Basadi, has got a new look. The basadi, which once had the royal patronage of the Chauta Queen, Abbakka Devi of Ullal, was in a dilapidated condition for many years. But with the interest taken by the devotees, the basadi has now got a new look and is ready for the Prathistha Panchakalyana Mahotsava.

Addressing reporters here on Friday, Adinatha Parshwanatha Basadi Renovation Committee chairman M N Rajendrakumar said that the Panchakalyana Mahotsava celebrations will be held from March 23 to 27.

He said that the historical basadi is said to be built by the Banga royal family. But with the fall of the royal family and decrease in the number of Jain families, the basadi got neglected.

As the basadi was in such a bad condition, devotees met on January 17, 2006, and formed a renovation committee. Money from local devotees was collected and Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade was approached for support through the Shri Dharmasthala Dharmothana Trust. And a new shrine came up in place of the old.The mukha mantapa, gopura angala, kshetrapala gudi, jina idol and other works have been done by the committee.

The religious programme will start on March 23 with Indra Prathisha and will continue till March 27. The Bimba Prathistha will be on March 27 at 9.45 am and Nayanonmilana at 12.06 pm. On the last day, the programme will be blessed by Moodbidri seer and Kanakagiri mutt seer. Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade will preside.