The short answer
Akkana Basadi: what visitors should know first
Yes, as a short, level stop in town. It is a compact Hoysala-era temple with carving worth seeing, and takes twenty minutes. Pair it with the Bhandari Basadi and the Jain Math in one gentle afternoon.
History and context
The story behind Akkana Basadi
Wikipedia records the temple as built in 1181 CE with Parshvanatha as the main deity, and lists it among the ASI-protected monuments of Shravanabelagola.
Useful facts
Akkana Basadi facts at a glance
- Location
- Shravanabelagola town
- Faith
- Jainism (Digambara)
- Deity/dedication
- Parshvanatha
- Visitor note
- Footwear off; ASI-listed monument
- Built
- 1181 CE
Why it matters
Why Akkana Basadi is worth your time
Akkana Basadi shows that Hoysala craftsmanship reached the Jain community at Shravanabelagola. Many travellers go to Belur and Halebidu for Hoysala temples, but this small town has its own example, in a Jain setting.
The temple is also on the Archaeological Survey of India's list of monuments here, which is why it appears with the statue and Chandragiri temples in official accounts. It is easy to visit and gives a different flavour from the granite bulk of the hills.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Carved ceilings
Look up in the closed mantapa for the ceiling carving.
- 02
Yaksha figures
Dharanendra and Padmavati appear in the sculpture.
- 03
Level and quiet
A calm stop between the hills and the town temples.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Walk to the temple from the town centre; it is a compact building and easy to miss in the lanes. Start outside, looking at the porch with its half-pillars and the finely finished stonework. Wikipedia dates the temple to 1181 CE and names Parshvanatha as the main deity.
Inside, the closed mantapa has ceiling carving that photographers and architecture fans often seek out, and figures of the yaksha Dharanendra and the yakshi Padmavati appear in the sculpture. The light is low, so give your eyes a minute and ask before taking photographs.
It is a good stop to combine with the Bhandari Basadi, which is larger and plainer, and the Jain Math, which is known for its murals. All three sit within the town and can be done on foot in an easy afternoon.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Allow your eyes to adjust inside
- Ask before photographing
- Remove footwear
- Combine with the Bhandari Basadi
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Shravanabelagola town
- Time needed
- 20 minutes
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The temple stands in the town on level ground without climbs. There are a few low steps at the porch and the interior is dim, so take care on stone floors.
- Tickets and access
- Check timings and entry rules locally; the temple is an ASI-listed monument as well as a place of worship. Remove footwear, dress modestly and ask before photographing; leather is commonly discouraged.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Akkana Basadi
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The temple stands in the town on level ground without climbs. There are a few low steps at the porch and the interior is dim, so take care on stone floors.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
When was Akkana Basadi built?
In 1181 CE, according to Wikipedia.
Who is the main deity?
Parshvanatha.
Is it easy to reach?
Yes, it is in the town and does not involve a climb.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
