Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Sravanabelagola
08176
Atop the bald rock of Vindhyagiri Hill, the 17.5m-high statue of the Jain deity Go-
mateshvara (Bahubali), said to be the world's tallest monolithic statue, is visible long be-
fore you reach the pilgrimage town of Sravanabelagola. Viewing the statue close up is the
main reason for heading to this sedate town, whose name means 'Monk of the White
Pond'.
Sights
Gomateshvara Statue
(Bahubali; 6.30am-6.30pm)
A steep climb up 614 steps takes you to the top of Vindhy-
agiri Hill, the summit of which is lorded over by the towering naked statue of the Jain deity
Gomateshvara. Commissioned by a military commander in the service of the Ganga king
Rachamalla and carved out of a single piece of granite by the sculptor Aristenemi in AD
981, its serenity and simplicity is in stark contrast to the Hoysala sites at Belur and Halebid.
Bahubali was the son of emperor Vrishabhadeva, who later became the first Jain
tirthankar
(revered teacher) Adinath. Embroiled in fierce competition with his brother
Bharatha to succeed his father, Bahubali realised the futility of material gains and re-
nounced his kingdom. As a recluse, he meditated in complete stillness in the forest until he
attained enlightenment. His lengthy meditative spell is denoted by vines curling around his
legs and an ant hill at his feet.
Leave shoes at the foot of the hill, but it's fine to wear socks.
Every 12 years, millions flock here to attend the
Mastakabhisheka
( Feb)
ceremony, when
the statue is dowsed in holy waters, pastes, powders, precious metals and stones. The next
ceremony is slated for 2018.
MONUMENT
Jain Temples
Apart from the Bahubali statue, there are several interesting Jain temples in town. The
Chandragupta Basti
(Chandragupta Community; 6am-6pm)
, on Chandragiri Hill opposite Vindhy-
agiri, is believed to have been built by Emperor Ashoka. The
Bhandari Basti
(Bhandari Community;
JAIN TEMPLES
