Oktatabyebye

Shravanabelagola, a small sleepy town nestled around the hills of Chandragiri and Vindhyagiri in Hassan district of Karnataka is a major Jain pilgrim center. The town's principal claim to fame is the 57-foot tall statue of Bahubali Gomateshwara. This colossal figure built around 983 AD by Chamundaraya, a minister of king Rajamalla of the Ganga dynasty from a single stone is the largest freestanding monolith statue in the world. The statue is built on top of the Vindhyagri Hill and one needs to climb 614 steps to reach it. Sravanabelagola is 160 km away from Bangalore.

Shravanabelagola is a town of ponds and temples. In fact it's more of ponds and It is impossible to reach any monument of this centre without first encountering a pond. Some ponds slumber under a still surface, while some others gently sway the lotus bed. The foundation of Shravanabelagola was laid around 'bili-gola' (white pond) apparently a natural pond either on the Small Hill or in the valley.

The statue of Bahubali
The statute of Bahubali Gomateshwara doesn't display any ostentation. The statue is very simple with the chiseled features of Gomata embodying serenity and his lips turned out at the corners with a hint of a smile, looking at the world with detachment. Though endowed with power, the saint looks in perfect calm with curly hair, half closed eyes, and clearly outlined lips and chins. Climbers and serpents are shown entangling his body, this is because during the course of his penance, Bahubali has stood erect and ants had built their little mounds at his feet, serpents had crawled up his legs and creepers had entangled his body.

The Head Anointing Ceremony
Held once in 12 years, the Maha Masthaka Abhisheka or the Head Anointing Ceremony gives a festive look to Shravanabelagola. During this festival, thousands of Jains from all over the world come here to pay their obeisance to the Bahubali  Gomateshwara who overcame pride, selfishness, jealousy and anger to attain nirvana. During this incredible event a scaffolding structure is built around the statue and millions of priests and devotees standing atop this scaffolding chant holy mantras and ritually pour thousands of gallons of milk, honey and precious herbs over the head of the statue. These sacred offerings are believed to acquire a powerful charge of spiritual energy from the great deity. the offerings are collected at the feet of the statue and distributed to the pilgrims, who believe that the gift will assist them in their quest for enlightenment. Maha Masthaka Abhisheka which takes place every 12 years was last took place in February 2006.

Places of Interest

Chandragiri Hill: An important Jain pilgrim site, Chandragiri Hill is home to a number of Jain Basadis or temples notably the Manasthambha Basadi, Kattlae Basadi, Shasana Basadi, Chandraprabha Basadi, Majjigana Basadi etc. Of all these basadis, the Chamundaraya Basadi built in 982 AD is the most remarkable. The Basadi was built by Chamundaraya and is dedicated to Neminath - the 22nd Tirthankara. The Chandragiri Hill is said to have been named after Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire who came here along with his guru Bhadrabahu after renouncing his kingdom.

Places Nearby

Belur & Halebid: A Unesco world heritage site, Belur & Halebid are famous for the magnificent architectural remains of the Hoysala kings. The Veeranarayana temple, the Hoysaleswara Temple and the Chennakeshava Temple are some of the exquisite temples of the 11th century. Belur and Halebid are 16 km apart. Halebid is 27 km away from Hassan. Check Driving Directions from Bangalore to Belur Check Driving Directions from Bangalore to Halebid

About Shravanabelagola: Shravanabelagola Information & Fact File

Altitude 330 meters Temp Summer 35 (Max) & 22(Min) Degrees Celsius Winter 30 (Max) & 14 (Min) Degrees Celsius Best time to Go October – February Monsoon June - September Summer March - May Clothes Cottons in summer light woolens in winter Nearest Airport Bangalore, 146 km Nearest Railway Station Hassan, 42 km Bus Station Shravanabelagola Hospital & Doctor A Regional Health Center equipped to provide immediate medical aid is available Places to see Kalyani, Vindhyagiri, Mahamasthakabhisheka, Chandragiri…….