Located in the Hassan district of Karnataka, Shravanabelagola is a famous pilgrimage site of Jainism. 48 km from the Hassan city, Sravanabelagola is renowned for its imposing statue of Gomateswara, also referred to as Lord Bahubali.
Carved out of monolithic stone, the awesome 17 metre high statue was commissioned by Western Ganga minister Chavundaraya in 981 A.D and can be seen from a distance of 20km. Starkly simple, the beautifully chiselled features of the statue atop Vindhyagiri hill embody serenity. His perfect lips are turned out at the corners with a hint of a smile, viewing the world with detachment.
Sri Gommateshwara was the son of the first Jain Tirthankara (Ford-Maker) Rishavdev. The chief festival of Shravanabelagola is called Mahamastakabhisheka, or the 'Head Anointing Ceremony'.
The next Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony, which involves bathing of the statue of Lord Gomateswara with bucketfuls of milk and honey, will be held in 2030. The ceremony is held here every 12 years.
According to the Jaina tradition, Chandragupta Maurya, founder of the Mauryan empire, in his old age, abdicated the throne and became a Jaina monk. He retired to Shravanabelagola with his teacher the Jaina Saint, Bhadrabahu. In accordance with the beliefs of Jainism, he fasted to death there and today the place is a famous religious destination for the Jain pilgrims. The hill where Chandragupta spent his last days is still known as Chandragiri.
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