Shravanabelagola and the Gomateshvara Statue

Shravanabelagola is a city located near Channarayaptna of Hassan District in the Indian state of Karnataka. The Gomateshvara statue at Shravanabelagola is one of the most important tirthas (pilgrimage destinations) in Jainism. The town is a prominent centre for Jaina art, architecture, religion and culture for over 2,300 years. It is a town of ponds and temples. The name of this holy center is derived from the pond called ‘biligola’ (white pond) between two hills. It is believed that Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Dynasty and the Maurya Empire died here in 298 BC after he became a Jain monk and assumed an ascetic life style.

Shravanabelagola has two hills, Chandragiri and Vindhyagiri. The 58 feet tall monolithic statue of Gomateshvara (it is also referred as “Bahubali” by the Jains) is located on the Vindyagiri Hill. It is considered to be the world’s largest monolithic stone statue. The statue is carved beautifully from a single block of rock with accurate sense of proportion and expression. Gomata has curly really nice hair in ringlets on the head and long, large ears. His eyes are open as if viewing the world with detachment. The facial features are perfectly chiseled with a faint touch of smile at the corner of his lips and embody calm vitality. There is an anthill in the background which signifies his incessant penance and from where emerges a snake and creepers which twine around both his legs and his arms culminating as cluster of flowers and berries at the upper portion of the arms. The posture of meditation, of the digambara (nude) statue is known as ‘Kayotsarga’, symbolizing renunciation, self-control and subjugation of ego as the first step towards salvation. It represents the complete victory over earthly desires and needs that hamper spirtual ascent towards divinity.

The statue at Shravanabelagola was voted by the readers of “Times of India” a leading daily, as the first of the Seven Wonders of India by scoring 49% votes.

The base of the statue has an inscription in Prakrit, dating to 981 AD. The inscription praises the king who funded the effort and his general, Chavundaraya who erected the statue for his mother. Every twelve years, thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka, a spectacular ceremony in which the statue is anointed with water, turmeric, rice flour, sugar cane juice, sandalwood paste, saffron, and gold and silver flowers.

The Vindhyagiri hill is about 470 feet above the ground and is of solid rock. It must be climbed barefoot. Tourists can use the main steps from the town consisting of dual flights of about 660 steps to the top which was cut out in the rock. You may see old people climb these steps however they are steep and it can be a hard climb. In summer the rock can get hot, so you may carry a pair of socks to be worn while climbing the steps. Old people who cannot climb can avail palanquin services. The palanquin bearers carry them on chair.

The 58 feet tall monolithic statue of Gomateshvara

The steep flight of steps towards the Vindhyagiri hill

The view of the ‘White Pond” from top of the Vindyagiri hill and in the backdrops you can see the Chandragiri hill

At the top of Vindyagiri hill

At the top of Vindyagiri hill

At the top of Vindyagiri hill

At the top of Vindyagiri hill

At the top of Vindyagiri hill

The Gomateshvara statue at the top of the Vindyagiri hill

The Gomateshvara statue at the top of the Vindyagiri hill

Pilgrims offering prayers at the feet of the satue

Another view of the statue

Amazing view from top of the Vindyagiri hill

Amazing view from top of the Vindyagiri hill

Amazing view from top of the Vindyagiri hill

Amazing view from top of the Vindyagiri hill

Chandragiri hill is a small hill located just opposite to the Vindhyagiri hill. It is believed that Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya dynasty, breathed his last in this hill. Steps have been cut out in this hill and the ascent is similar to that of Vindhyagiri. It is steep and hard to climb. The hill has memorials to numerous monks and shravakas who have meditated here. Chandragiri also has the tomb of Chandragupta Maurya. There are also several monuments of interest scattered around this hill.

The entrance to the Chandragiri hill

Steps leading to the summit of Chandragiri hill

The view of the pond from Chandragiri hill

Various shrines at the top of Chandragiri hill

Various shrines at the top of Chandragiri hill

Bharatha statue at Chandragiri hill

Various shrines at the top of Chandragiri hill

Various shrines at the top of Chandragiri hill

Various shrines at the top of Chandragiri hill

Various shrines at the top of Chandragiri hill

Various shrines at the top of Chandragiri hill

Various shrines at the top of Chandragiri hill

One of the inscriptions on the rock are protected by glass

Various shrines at the top of Chandragiri hill

Various shrines at the top of Chandragiri hill

Various shrines at the top of Chandragiri hill

View of Vindyagiri hill from Chandragiri

Amazing views of the surrounding areas from Chandragiri hill

Amazing views of the surrounding areas from Chandragiri hill

Amazing views of the surrounding areas from Chandragiri hill