According to Jain tradition, Chandragupta Maurya, after renouncing his throne, traveled to Shravanabelagola with his teacher Bhadrabahu and embraced Jainism. He spent his last years here as an ascetic. The Chandragupta Basadi is believed to have been commissioned in the 12th century, several centuries after Chandragupta's death, to commemorate his association with the site. The temple's construction is attributed to the Ganga dynasty, who were patrons of Jainism. The sculpted panels within the temple depict scenes from Chandragupta's life, including his meeting with Bhadrabahu, his renunciation, and his ascetic practices. These panels serve as a visual narrative of his spiritual transformation and solidify the temple's historical significance as a tribute to a great emperor's devotion to Jainism.