Shravanabelagola is one of the most important Jain centers in the world. It is 158 km from Bangalore, near to Hassan which is located on Bangalore - Mangalore highway..
In Kannada language, "Bel" means white while "kola", the pond, is an allusion to the beautiful pond in the middle of the town..
The 57 feet (17.5 mtr.) monolithic statue of the Gomateshwara Bahubali is considered to be the world's largest monolithic stone statue and was erected by Chamundaraya a general of King Gangaraya in 981 A.D.
Every twelve years, thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the ceremony called Mahamastakabhisheka in which the statue is covered with milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins.
Link to google map-> Shravanabelagola, Karnataka
There are two hills: Vindyagiri and Chandragiri on either side of a pond.
Vindyagiri
The statue of Bahubali bhagwan is located on Vindyagiri or the larger hill.
Chandragiri
The other hill, Chandragiri, is situated just
Lord Bahubali’s statue is said to have been built from single stone of smooth fine grey granite and stands to the divine height of 17 metres. This monolithic idol shows Lord Bahubali standing erect over anthills and serpents with a serene expression on his face. Also, one can see creepers encircling his legs and waist. The statue is captures the Lord’s perfect features and curly hair with his head resting on massive shoulders. What one rarely notices about the perfection of the idol is that the length of the index finger of each of the hands is not same. It is said that this was deliberately done due to a belief that with a flaw like that nobody can make the statue “khandit”
Distancefrom Shravanabelagola in KMs :
Belgaum - 480
Belur - 89
Bijapur - 721
Channarayapattana - 12
Dharmastala - 173
Halebeedu - 80
Hassan - 50
Hubli - 364
Humcha - 210
Jab Falls - 270
Kanakagiri - 145
Karkala - 259
K.R Sagara - 93
Mangalore - 225
Moodabidre - 238
Mysore - 89
N.R Pura - 219
Srirangapattana - 75
Tumkur - 150
Venur - 210
Nearest Railway Station: Hassan
Nearest Airport: Bangalore
Accommodation
My personal experience of this place was really very good..I am fond of Bahubali bhagwan's statue.. I always enjoy climbing up to the peak of the hill (Vindhyagiri), where the statue is erected..
Since my childhood I was eager to have a look at this murti.. now, I want to attend the Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony as early as possible and as many number of times possible..
As of now, I have been there thrice.. first time with few friends in Nov'08.. second time all alone on my birthday, Jan'09.. 3rd time in July'09
