Chaturmukha Basadi, Jain temple in Karkala, India
Chaturmukha Basadi is a Jain temple in Karkala featuring four identical doorways that open toward a central sanctuary. The interior is defined by numerous thick granite pillars that create a sense of weight and permanence throughout the building.
The temple was founded in 1586 by Immadi Bhairarasa Vodeya of the Santara dynasty and showcases the stonework of that era. It emerged during the Vijayanagara period when such granite constructions were becoming common across South India.
The temple houses images of three Tirthankaras - Aranath, Mallinath, and Munisuvratnath - making it an essential destination for Jain religious practices and ceremonies.
The temple is accessible daily and located in Udupi district, making it easy to reach by road. The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is more pleasant.
The name means four faces in Sanskrit, referring to the four identical entrances that face the cardinal directions. This alignment connects the building symbolically to principles found in Jain cosmology.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
