- Govt. of India Approved
- IATO Member
- Trusted Since 1999
Pilgrimage Guide › Sacred Sites 28–36 › Sannati (Kanaganahalli)
Sannati Kanaganahalli in Kalaburagi district, Karnataka, is a major Buddhist stupa site on the Bhima River. It is famous for a stone panel showing Emperor Ashoka, labelled “Raya Asoko”, the only inscribed portrait of the emperor found so far.
Kanaganahalli, near Sannati, Kalaburagi district, Karnataka
Maurya to Satavahana era (about 3rd century BCE – 3rd century CE)
By the Archaeological Survey of India, 1990s–2000s
Nalwar (about 19 km); Kalaburagi
October to March
2 hours
In 1986, part of the Chandralamba temple at Sannati collapsed. During repairs, a stone slab was found to carry edicts of Emperor Ashoka. This discovery led archaeologists to Kanaganahalli, about 3 km away on the bank of the Bhima River, where the Archaeological Survey of India uncovered the remains of a great stupa, called the “Adholoka Maha Chaitya” in its inscriptions.
The stupa was built and enlarged from the Maurya period to the Satavahana period. Its carved limestone panels show Jataka stories, scenes of the Buddha and Satavahana kings. One panel shows a king with his queens, labelled “Raya Asoko” (King Ashoka) in Brahmi script, the only inscribed portrait of the emperor found so far. Conservation work by the ASI is ongoing.
Sannati Kanaganahalli lets pilgrims look upon the face of Emperor Ashoka, the great king who spread the Buddha’s teaching across Asia. For Theravada pilgrims who owe so much to Ashoka’s mission, this is a special moment of gratitude.
The many inscriptions of donors also show how Buddhism flourished far into southern India.
Kanaganahalli is about 3 km from Sannati village in Kalaburagi district. The nearest railway station is Nalwar, about 19 km away, and Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) is the nearest city, with trains from Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Mumbai. Hyderabad, about 200 km away, is the most practical base with an international airport.
October to March is the best time, with dry, mild weather. The site is still being conserved, and many carved panels are kept under protective sheds, so facilities are basic. Carry water and plan meals in Kalaburagi. A private vehicle is the easiest way to visit.
Prime Value Tours can include this sacred place in a private tour for your group, with an English or Thai-speaking guide, comfortable air-conditioned transport, vegetarian meals and unhurried time for chanting and meditation at every stop. Tell us your group size and travel dates, and we will plan the best route and send your quotation within 24 hours.
It is a major Buddhist stupa site, famous for the only inscribed portrait of Emperor Ashoka found so far, labelled “Raya Asoko” in Brahmi.
In 1986, part of the Chandralamba temple at Sannati collapsed, and a slab with Ashokan edicts was found. This led to the excavation of the stupa at Kanaganahalli.
Sannati is in Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) district, Karnataka, on the bank of the Bhima River. Kanaganahalli is about 3 km from Sannati village.
The nearest railway station is Nalwar, about 19 km away. Kalaburagi is the nearest city, and Hyderabad, about 200 km away, has the nearest international airport.
You can see the base of the great stupa, carved panels with Jataka stories, and the famous portrait of Emperor Ashoka.
Government-approved tour operator from Varanasi since 1999. Private Buddhist pilgrimage tours for Thai and Southeast Asian groups, with English or Thai-speaking guides.
