Shravanabelagola

Significance

Shravanabelagola, in Karnataka, is one of the most important Digambar Jain sites, known above all for the colossal monolithic statue of Bahubali (Gommateshwara) atop Vindhyagiri hill — carved from a single block of granite and standing around 57 feet tall, among the tallest monolithic statues in the world.

History

The statue was commissioned in 981 CE by Chavundaraya, a minister and general under the Western Ganga dynasty. Shravanabelagola has been a centre of Digambar learning and monastic life for many centuries, with inscriptions on the hill recording generations of teachers and patrons.

The site is known for the Mahamastakabhisheka, a grand head-anointing ceremony held roughly once every twelve years, in which the statue is bathed with milk, sugarcane juice, sandalwood paste, saffron and other offerings before large gatherings of pilgrims.

How to reach

Hassan district, Karnataka

Shravanabelagola is roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Bengaluru or from Mysuru, and is also reachable by road from Hassan. The statue stands atop a stairway of several hundred steps carved into the rock of Vindhyagiri.

Darshan timings

The temple complex is generally open through the day; the Mahamastakabhisheka itself follows its own multi-day schedule, announced well in advance by the managing trust.

Timings can change on festival days. Please confirm with the local trust before travelling.