General Information

51 km south-east of Hassan and 160 km from Bangalore, this is the most important Jain pilgrimage center. The name of the place translated as naked ascetic (Sravana) and white pond (belgola), is known for the greatest monument of Jain art. The colossal statue of Gomateshwara (17 meter high) situated on the summit of Indragiri hill is one of the two giant sculptures in the world after the colossus of Ramses II in Egypt. Chamundaraya, General under the King Rachmalla, had commissioned the carving of this huge statue during the 10th c. The Jain muni Bhadrabahr is said to accompany Emperor Chandragupta to this place in 300 BC, Thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the 'Mahamastakabhisheka'. A spectacular ceremony-held once in 12 years-when the 1000 year old statue is anointed with milk, curd, ghee, saffron and gold coins. The next Mahamastakabhisheka will be held in 2005 AD.

History

Sravanabelagola has a long historical pedigree going back to the 3rd century BC when Chandragupta Maurya came here with his guru, Bhagwan Bhadrabah Swnmi, after renouncing his kingdom. In the course of tome Bhadrabahr's disciples spread his teachings all over the region, firmly establishing Jainism in the south. The religion found powerful patrons in the Gangas who rules  the southern part of what is now Karnataka between the 4th and 10th centuries, and it was during this time that Jainism reached the zinith of its influence.

Excursions

51 kms south-east of Hassan, this one of the most important Jain pilgrim centers known for the 17 mt high monolith of Lord Bahubali - the world's tallest monolithic statue. Thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the Mahamastaka.

Shravanabelegola is 158 kms from Bangalore, located 1000 m above sea level, this bustling capital city of Karnataka, has a perpetual holiday atmosphere, thanks mainly to its picnic weather. Founded in 1537 by a local chieftain kempe Gowda, Bangalore has seen much and imbibed even more. Rapid industrial growth has not taken away Bangalore's old world charm. And a trip here can be truly delightful. Known as the Garden city and silicon valley of India.

Travel Info

Air The nearest airports are at Bangalore.

Badami ▪ Bangalore ▪ Belur & Halebid ▪ Bijapur ▪ Chikmagalur ▪ Gokarna ▪ Gulbarga ▪ Hassan ▪ Srirangapatanam ▪ Karwar ▪ Madikeri ▪ Mangalore ▪ Mysore ▪ Shimoga ▪ Sravanabelagola ▪ Hampi ▪ Belgaum

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