Bhandara Basadi
# Bhandara Basadi

Bhandara Basadi or Chaturvimsati Tirthankar Basadi is a Jain temple (basadi) built in located in Shravanabelagola, a town in Karnataka, India.

## History

The temple was constructed in 1159 CE by Hula Raja, a general and bhandari (transl. treasurer) during the reign of King Narasimha I of Hoysala Empire, giving temple the name Bhandara Basadi. According to inscription, dating back to 1159 CE, inside the temple gave grants for the temple and gave the name Bhavya-Chamundi temple. One inscription inside the temple records a major dispute between Vaishnav and Jain and its resolution by King Bukka of Vijayanagara Empire.

## Architecture

Bhandara Basadi is the largest temple in Shravanabelagola measuring 266 by 76 feet (81 by 23 m). The temple is dedicated to 24 Tirthankaras and is hence also known as Chaturvimsati Tirthankar Basadi. The garbhagriha houses 3 feet (0.91 m) idols of 24 Tirthankaras in kayotsarga posture with a ornate pedestal. There are idols of Padmavati and Brahmdev outside the garbhagriha. The central part of navaranga (hall) floor contains a 10 feet (3.0 m) monolithic slab which popular in Hoysala architecture.

The temple also includes a monolithic manasthamba with chaturmukha idol facing four cardinal direction.

