March 16th, 2025

Peacocks have always fascinated me with their regal bearing and vibrant and iridescent plumage. Hence I was quite delighted and intrigued when a few years ago I came across the captivating photograph of a beautiful temple which was built in the likeness of this exquisite bird, complete with its vivid blue, green and gold facade, draped over like a gently flowing peacock tail and ending in a skirting of pink lotus petals.

With a bit of online hunting, I learned that this was a part of the Mandaragiri Jain temple complex, which is a Jain pilgrimage center located on Mandaragiri Hill in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, India.

I had tucked away this information in the back of my memory, hoping that I would visit this place someday and savor its visual beauty.

So when my friend and I planned a trip to the Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve, it was with excitement that I realised that I was going to be close (literally) to fulfilling my desire to visit this location, Mandaragiri being almost enroute to our destination.

So on our return to Bangalore, we made a short detour to take a quick look at the place, glimpses of which are available below for your viewing pleasure!

About Mandaragiri hill and Jain temple – 

Mandaragiri, also called Basadi betta (in the local language Kannada) is a Jain temple and pilgrimage site. In Karnataka, Jain temples are called Basadis and Betta is hill. In Gujarat and Rajasthan, these temples are called Derasars.

The Mandaragiri complex comprises of the Chandranatha statue and the Guru Mandir at the base of the hill. And atop the hill, are a few more ancient temples which are a few centuries old.

As you initially drive to the base, you will find a parking lot adjacent to the complex wall. From there one has to walk a few feet to the main gate where footwear has to be left in the care of a keeper before entering. A small fee of Rs 10 is charged and a token is given. There is another entry fee of Rs 10 to enter the gate of the compound.

The 21 ft statue of the 8th Tirthankara, Chandranatha (also called Chandraprabhu) standing atop a Mukha Mantapa (raised platform), is positioned close to the entrance.

A Jain tirthankara is a divine teacher or saviour or saint who has attained enlightenment. Jainism has 24 tirthankaras of which Lord Mahavira was the last one.

To the right of this, is the 81 ft high peacock temple called Guru Mandir, the exquisite structure that had initially attracted me to this place. I learned that this was meant to represent a Pinchi or a hand fan which is used by the Digambar sect of Jains.

Jains are strong believers of non violence and hence use this fan to gently brush away all living organisms before they sit down, so as to not harm them. The Pinchi is made from ethically sourced peacock feathers and hence is also called a Mor Pankh Pinchi.

The Guru Mandir is a temple cum meditation hall dedicated to the Jain Acharya  Shantisagar.

Apart from these structures on the ground, there is also a cluster of Jain temples atop the Mandaragiri hill in the vicinity. Around 450 steps have been hewn in the rock and the white paint lining the steps, gleams from afar like a bright ribbon that guides you uphill.

A short video – 

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What is available and what you should carry –

Some of the items you could carry are caps, sunglasses, binoculars, folding chairs/stools, camera and its associated paraphernalia, snacks, water etc.

Early mornings are quite cold in winters, so equip yourself accordingly. Layering your clothing may be a good idea because it gets hotter as the day goes by.

It is a religious site so dress accordingly. There are makeshift banners at the gate informing that shorts and skirts are not permitted.

Wear sturdy shoes if you are going to climb the hill. There is a handrail for support, that divides the ascending and descending track.

Do not strew food around or litter. Please bring your trash back.

Things to do in the Surroundings – 

Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve is 65 km from this place. We managed to visit this place and also stop on our return at Mandaragiri.

We left Bangalore at 4.30 am and returned to Bangalore 4.30 pm.

Where to eat – 

There are only a few stalls at the base, selling basic snacks and water so it is better to carry your own supplies.

We reached after lunch since we were returning from Jayamangali.

We ate at Hotel Kamadhenu at Koratagere Bypass, 35 km away from the Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve and 30 km from Mandaragiri. It was a very ordinary place but it sufficed for that moment since there were no better options.

Tumkur city is around 10 km away and would probably have better options for restaurants.

Best Time to Visit – 

The temple and mountain are accessible throughout the year. Generally, early morning is a pleasant time to visit the place, especially in summers.

Weekdays and non holidays are less crowded.

Phone and internet connectivity –

Internet is available and the signals are quite stable on the ground level. I did not climb the hill.

Additional Information – 

Parking is available.

Footwear is to be deposited at the designated secure place and a token is given. A nominal fee is charged to store the footwear and also to enter the premises.

The access to the temple atop the hill is only via the flight of steps. To the best of my knowledge, there is no motorable path and the parking lot on the ground level, is as far as the vehicle is permitted.

Getting there – 

The road from Bangalore is very good and it is most convenient to travel by private car. Tumkur city is 10 km away.

We visited the place on our return from Jayamangali, since it was a short detour from our main route. Jayamangali to Mandaragiri is a 65 km distance.

Please Note –

This was a personal trip and my narration is based on the inputs I received from various sources as well as my personal experiences.

For more pictures see My Facebook – Mandaragiri Hill and Jain Temple

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March 16th, 2025