Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola is one of the most important pilgrim sites for Jains in India. Shravanabelagola is at a distance of around 50 Km from Hassan. The name 'Shravanabelagola' means 'the land of pond'. The town has a pond and is situated between two lofty hills called Chandragiri and Indragiri. Shravanabelagola is famous for the gigantic statue of Lord Bahubali, which is the tallest monolithic statue in the world. The height of the statue is around 17 m. The image was installed by Chavundaraya in 988 AD, who was the minister of Ganga King Rachamalla Sathyavakya. It is almost impossible to find a structure so grand and imposing anywhere in the world. The statue is located on the top of Indragiri hill. There are many more temples in the town that are considered sacred by Jains.

Throughout the year, inflow of pilgrims to Shravanabelagola is good. However, during the 'Mahamastakabhisheka', the number of pilgrims rises immensely. Mahamastakabhisheka is a Jain festival that is held every 12 years. The festival was recently concluded in the year 2006 and is scheduled next in 2018. During the event, the huge statue of Lord Bahubali is bathed in milk, sugarcane juice and saffron paste. Flower petals, sandalwood powder and turmeric powder is offered by devotees. The most awaited part of the festival comes at the end when the statue is showered with flowers from a helicopter.