The short answer
Bhandari Basadi: what visitors should know first
Yes, especially for anyone who skips the hill climbs. It is level, in the town, and holds all 24 Tirthankaras in a single row. Plan about 30 minutes and pair it with the Akkana Basadi and the Jain Math.
History and context
The story behind Bhandari Basadi
Wikipedia records the basadi as built in 1159 CE by Hula Raja, a general and treasurer under the Hoysala king Narasimha I, and describes it as the largest temple in the town, with the 24 Tirthankaras in a single row.
Useful facts
Bhandari Basadi facts at a glance
- Location
- Town centre, Shravanabelagola
- Faith
- Jainism (Digambara)
- Deity/dedication
- All 24 Tirthankaras
- Visitor note
- Footwear off; level, no climb
- Built
- 1159 CE by Hula Raja, Hoysala treasurer
Why it matters
Why Bhandari Basadi is worth your time
The Bhandari Basadi reminds you that Shravanabelagola is a living town as well as a pair of hills. It was built in the Hoysala era by a court treasurer, which shows that the patronage here continued long after the Ganga period.
For older travellers it also changes the nature of the visit. You can see a major Jain temple, with the whole line of 24 Tirthankaras in one place, without a long climb, which is a useful alternative when the hills are hot or the legs are tired.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
24 Tirthankaras in a row
A rare chance to see the whole line of images in one hall.
- 02
The manasthambha and inscriptions
Look at the pillar and the inscriptions in old Kannada.
- 03
Level access
The easiest major temple for older visitors.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Walk from the centre of town. The temple stands among the lanes below the hills and has a manasthambha (pillar) in front of the main entrance. Spend a few moments outside looking at the manasthambha pillar at the main entrance, and note any old Kannada inscriptions on display.
Inside, the main attraction is a row of images of all 24 Tirthankaras in a single line. Look along the row and find the symbols on the pedestals, which help identify each. The hall is cool and quiet compared with the climbs, and a few visitors at a time are normal.
This makes a good afternoon stop after a morning on one of the hills. If you have the energy, continue on foot to the Akkana Basadi and the Jain Math in the same part of town. Ask a local guide or priest for help with the Tirthankara symbols.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Visit in the late afternoon after the hills
- Remove footwear and avoid leather
- Check the timings locally
- Ask before photographing images
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Shravanabelagola town, near the central pond
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon, outside the midday heat
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- It is in the town on level ground with no hill climb, which makes it the easiest major temple to visit. Floors are stone and can be hot at midday; shaded sections are limited.
- Tickets and access
- Check current timings and any entry rules locally. Remove footwear, dress modestly and ask before photographing the images; leather is commonly discouraged.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Bhandari Basadi
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Travelling with parents?
It is in the town on level ground with no hill climb, which makes it the easiest major temple to visit. Floors are stone and can be hot at midday; shaded sections are limited.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is the Bhandari Basadi easy to visit?
Yes. It stands in the town on level ground with no climb.
What is inside?
A row of images of all 24 Tirthankaras, according to Wikipedia.
When was it built?
In 1159 CE, per Wikipedia, by Hula Raja, a treasurer under the Hoysala king Narasimha I.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
