The history of Jainism in Moodabidri is very ancient. Jainism flourished in Moodabidri in the beginning of 13th century A.D. During 14th - 16th centuries Moodabidri witnessed an unprecedented growth as a center of Jain religion, culture, art and architecture with more than 18 Jain temples (Basadis) constructed during this period.
Moodabidri was an ancientcentre of Jain literature. Ratnakara Varni, the doyen of medieval Kannada literature and the author of Bharatesha Vaibhava belonged to this place. The famous Jain canonical texts known as Dhavala texts and also a number of palm leafmanuscripts of immense literacy value are in the possession of the Jain monastery here.
Moodabidri, a cultural capital of Dakshina Kannada district was the seat of the Chowtas, a Jain ruling family, who were originally located at Puthige, about 5 km from here. They moved their capital to Moodabidri in the 17th century. The remains of the 17th century Chowta Palace is known for its carved wooden pillars and ceilings.
Kings of Ajila Dynasty.
Moodabidri is famous for its Jain pilgrimage center and the thousand-pillared Tribhuvana Tilaka Chudamani Basadi.
Ratnakara Varni, Bhattaraka Swamiji, Veera Pandya, Sri Charukeerthi Swamiji, Nagagala Devi, Bhairava Raja, etc.