Photo spot in Shravanabelagola
Bhandari Basadi
Shravanabelagola, Karnataka
A large 12th-century Jain temple in the town below, housing rows of Tirthankara idols in a long pillared hall — the biggest basadi at Shravanabelagola.
Best time
Midday, when the town is quiet and the hill climbs are too hot; late afternoon for softer light on the front of the temple.
Best angle
Stand at one end of the pillared hall and take a straight-on photo along the row of Tirthankara idols, if the staff allow photos inside.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Bhandari Basadi
Midday, when the town is quiet and the hill climbs are too hot; late afternoon for softer light on the front of the temple. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Bhandari Basadi
Stand at one end of the pillared hall and take a straight-on photo along the row of Tirthankara idols, if the staff allow photos inside. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
In the pillared hall
By the Tirthankara idols
Outfit guide
What to wear at Bhandari Basadi
For photos at Bhandari Basadi, cream, saffron and maroon work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Shravanabelagola.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Bhandari Basadi.
Eat nearby
Food near Bhandari Basadi
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for holige (obbattu) nearby.
Special dishes to try
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Visit around midday, when it is too hot to be on the hills.
Remove your shoes at the entrance, as in every basadi.
Look along the row of 24 Tirthankara idols from one end of the hall.
Ask before taking photos inside, and do not photograph people at prayer.
Keep your voice low, as it is an active place of worship.
Pair the visit with the pond, which is a short walk away.
Carry a bag for your phone and water so your hands are free.
About Bhandari Basadi
Bhandari Basadi is the largest Jain temple in Shravanabelagola and stands in the town, between the two hills. It was built in 1159 CE by Hulla, the treasurer (bhandari) of the Hoysala king Narasimha I, which is how it got its name. It is also known as Bhavya Chudamani.
Inside, a long hall holds a row of standing idols of all 24 Tirthankaras, the spiritual teachers of Jainism. The temple needs no climb, so it is a good choice for anyone who cannot manage the steps of Vindhyagiri, and an easy stop in the middle of the day.
Questions
Bhandari Basadi — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Bhandari Basadi?
Midday, when the town is quiet and the hill climbs are too hot; late afternoon for softer light on the front of the temple. Stand at one end of the pillared hall and take a straight-on photo along the row of Tirthankara idols, if the staff allow photos inside.
Is there an entry fee at Bhandari Basadi?
Entry to Bhandari Basadi is free.
What are the opening hours of Bhandari Basadi?
Bhandari Basadi is open 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
What should I wear at Bhandari Basadi?
Cream, saffron and maroon photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Bhandari Basadi get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: midday, when the town is quiet and the hill climbs are too hot; late afternoon for softer light on the front of the temple.
What food should I try near Bhandari Basadi?
Try holige (obbattu) at spots close by.
What is Bhandari Basadi famous for?
Bhandari Basadi is famous as the largest temple in Shravanabelagola and for its row of idols of all 24 Tirthankaras. It dates from the Hoysala period in the 12th century.
Do I need to climb to reach Bhandari Basadi?
No. Bhandari Basadi is in the town at the foot of the hills, so it is easy to reach on foot without any steps.
Can I take photos inside Bhandari Basadi?
Rules can change, so ask the staff before taking photos inside. The front of the temple can be photographed from the street.
How much time do I need at Bhandari Basadi?
Around 30 minutes is enough to walk through the hall and see the Tirthankara idols.