Visit to Shravanabelagola - Karnataka

   

Shravanabelagola is located in Hassan district of Karnataka.

This small town has two hills large Vindyagiri ( Indragiri ) and small Chandragiri almost facing each other.

 

The main attraction of Shravanabelagola is the colossal statue of Lord Bahubali.

Shravanabelagola , literally meaning the ‘ Monk of the white pond ‘ is named after a ‘belagola’ ( white pond ) which was created in heart of the town by the milk used for the first Mahamastakhabhiseka ( sacred anointment ) of the giant statue of Lord Bahubali ( Gomateshwara).

Vindhyagiri is the tallest peak in Shravanabelagola where monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara popularly known as Bahubali stands tall.

Built by Ganga dynasty this 58ft high stone sculpture carved around 1000 years back ,out of a single block of granite . This statue is considered to be the world’s largest monolithic stone statue.It is estimated to weigh approximately 80 tons.

According to Jainism , Bahubali renounced his Kingdom and he meditated at Shravanabelagola. He is one of the prominent jain Thirthankaras .

The statue stands upright in the posture of meditation known as ‘ Kayotsarga’ indicating perfect self control and its nakedness suggest complete renunciation of worldly things. There are statues of various other Thirthankaras and carvings , which were carved with precise accuracy all around the temple.

One comes across a small pavilion known for the finely sculpted Tyagada Brahmadeva Pillar, with carvings of creepers around it. The inscriptions indicate that the pillar was installed by Chamundaraya , who is also credited for installing the huge monolith of Lord Gomateshwara atop the Vindyagiri.

The scared shrine atop the hill is accessible via flight of 650 rock-cut steps. The climb is very steep and little difficult to climb. The hill must be climbed barefoot. As you go higher , you tend to get tired. Best to climb the hill in the morning to avoid sun. In the afternoon the rock can get hot. 

You were not allowed to wear footwear while climbing the hill,  so you may wish to carry two pair of socks to be worn one on another, so that you can climb comfortably. Old people can use ‘palki’ (doli) service offered by the temple for Rs 500 per head + Rs 300 tips.

It is indeed amazing that we cannot see a glimpse of Lord Bahubali till we reach the top.

The view from the top of the hill and the scenic beauty of the place is amazing. Chandragiri hill and temple on it can be seen from here.

The mahamastakh-abisheka ceremony held once in 12 years is the most important event of Shravanabelagola.

Chandragiri

  

Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan empire renounced his kingdom and came here to become a Jain Ascetic. He led a recluse life and breathed his last at the Chandragiri hill, which is named after him.

Chandra gupta Basadi which was dedicated to Chandragupta Maurya, was originally built there by Asoka. Chandragiri also has memorial to numerous monks and sravakas who have meditated there.

Shravanabelagola is indeed a must visit destination.