Shravanabelagola is one of the most prominent Jain pilgrimage centers in India, located 47 kms from Hassan in Karnataka. It is world-renowned for the 17-meter-high colossal monolith statue of Lord Gomateshwara (Bahubali), carved out of a single granite boulder on the Vindhyagiri Hill. Recognized as one of the tallest monolithic statues in the world, it attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists globally.
History and Significance
The town has two hills, Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri. Chandragiri is historically significant as the final resting place of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire, who embraced Jainism and spent his last days here. Shravanabelagola has served as an ancient seat of learning and asceticism for centuries.
Architecture and Highlights
The statue of Bahubali depicts deep meditative posture (Kayotsarga) with ant hills, creepers winding around his legs, symbolizing unwavering penance. Every 12 years, the grand Mastakabhisheka festival takes place, during which the statue is anointed with milk, sugarcane juice, turmeric paste, ghee, saffron, and gold coins.
Travel Guide
Climbing Vindhyagiri requires ascending approximately 600+ rock-cut steps. Visitors are required to climb barefoot. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal to avoid the heat of the stone steps.
17-meter-tall monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara (Bahubali) and ancient Jain Basadis
👕 Dress Code & Rules
Modest traditional attire. Men must remove shirts before entering certain inner sanctums; leather items are strictly prohibited.
Free entry
Spacious paid parking available at the base of Vindhyagiri hill.
Pure vegetarian local eateries and Jain dharamshala dining facilities available.
6:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM