Mangaluru: The historic Saavira Kambada Basadi, widely known as the thousand pillar temple, will be brilliantly illuminated with special electrical lighting decorations to celebrate India’s 80th Independence Day.The event will be organised by the Jaina Kashi Trust, Moodubidire; the celebrations are scheduled for Saturday, Aug 15, 2026. The special lighting arrangements and festivities will take place in the evening from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. Visitors will also be treated to a live Mangala Vadya, an auspicious instrumental music performance during this time. The event will be completely open to the public, offering everyone a chance to witness the 15th-century architectural marvel in all its illuminated glory, while maintaining the sanctity and cleanliness of the premises. The decorations hold deep historical and patriotic significance, bridging the region’s royal heritage with India’s broader fight for sovereignty. Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Pandithacharyavarya Swamiji, spiritual head of Moodubidire Jain Mutt, highlighted the profound meaning behind the upcoming celebrations. “A similar lighting event was organised on the 75th Independence Day in 2022,” he stated. “This event and the lighting of the Saavira Kambada Basadi on the 80th Independence Day will be held to honor the legacy and contributions of the key donors and freedom fighters in the freedom struggle for India. In doing so, we pay tribute to the temple’s royal patrons and donors such as Queen Bhairadevi and Queen Nagaladevi, as well as the fearless Rani Abbakka of the local Chowta dynasty. Ruling from Moodubidire, Rani Abbakka valiantly fought against Portuguese colonial forces for decades, cementing her place as one of India’s earliest and most courageous freedom fighters,” he said. Through this luminous tribute, Moodubidire will celebrate the 80th Independence Day by remembering the unbreakable spirit of its ancestors, their patronage of the region’s heritage, and their vital role in shaping the nation’s history.
