Shravanabelagola is a city of ponds and temples in the Hassan district of Karnataka, India. It is one of the most important Jain pilgrimage and cultural heritage sites in South India. The main attraction of Shravanabelagola is the Bahubali Gomateshwara statue, one of the largest monolithic statues in the world and one of the seven wonders of India.
This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about Shravanabelagola, its history, significance, attractions, festivals, and travel guide.
History and Legend of Bahubali Gomateshwara
Bahubali or Gomateshwara was the son of Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara or spiritual teacher of Jains. According to Jain legend, Bahubali was a powerful king who renounced his kingdom and attained enlightenment after a fierce battle with his brother Bharata. He stood in meditation for a year on a hill, during which vines grew around his legs and ants crawled over his body. He achieved Kevala Jnana or omniscience and became a Jina or conqueror of inner enemies.
The Bahubali Gomateshwara statue on Vindhyagiri Hill in Shravanabelagola was built by Chavundaraya, a minister and commander of the Ganga dynasty, in 981 CE. He was inspired by a dream in which he saw the statue on the hill. He commissioned the sculptor Arunagiri to carve the statue out of a single block of granite. The statue is 58 feet tall and depicts Bahubali in the Kayotsarga posture, standing erect with arms by his side, eyes closed, and a serene expression on his face. The statue has intricate carvings of vines, ants, snakes, and elephants on its body and pedestal. The statue is considered a masterpiece of Indian art and architecture.
Mahamastakabhisheka: The Grand Anointing Festival
The Mahamastakabhisheka is a grand anointing festival that is held once in 12 years to honor the Bahubali Gomateshwara statue. The festival is a celebration of peace, harmony, and spirituality among Jains and other communities. The festival lasts for several days, during which thousands of devotees gather at Shravanabelagola to witness and participate in the rituals and ceremonies.
The main ritual of the festival is the anointing or abhisheka of the statue with various substances, such as milk, honey, saffron, sandalwood, turmeric, and gold coins. The substances are poured from large vessels or kalashas by priests and dignitaries from a scaffolding erected around the statue.
The anointing symbolizes the purification and consecration of the statue as well as the devotion and gratitude of the devotees. The anointing is followed by other rituals, such as offering prayers, flowers, fruits, and lamps to the statue; reciting hymns and mantras; performing dances and music; and taking vows of non-violence, truthfulness, non-attachment, and self-control.
The Mahamastakabhisheka festival is a spectacle of color, sound, and emotion that attracts millions of visitors from across India and abroad. The festival showcases the rich culture and heritage of Jainism as well as the unity and diversity of India. The festival also promotes social welfare and environmental awareness among the participants. The last Mahamastakabhisheka festival was held in 2018 , while the next one is expected to be held in 2030.
Temples and Monuments on Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri Hills
Shravanabelagola has many temples and monuments on both Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri hills that are worth visiting for their history, architecture, and religious significance. Some of the notable ones are:
Chandragiri Hill Temple:
This temple is located on Chandragiri Hill, opposite to Vindhyagiri Hill. It is dedicated to Chandraprabha, the eighth Tirthankara of Jains. It was built by Chavundaraya in 982 CE. It has a beautiful idol of Chandraprabha in the sanctum sanctorum and a hall with 24 pillars and 24 images of Tirthankaras. The temple also has a rock inscription of Chavundaraya that records his achievements and donations.
Bhandari Basadi Temple:
This temple is also located on Chandragiri Hill. It is dedicated to Adinatha, the first Tirthankara of Jains. It was built by Bhandari, a general of the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana, in 1128 CE. It has a magnificent idol of Adinatha in the main shrine and a hall with 12 pillars and 12 images of Tirthankaras. The temple also has a rock inscription of Bhandari that mentions his lineage and patronage.
Akkana Basadi Temple:
This temple is also located on Chandragiri Hill. It is dedicated to Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jains. It was built by Akkana, the queen of the Hoysala king Veera Ballala II, in 1181 CE. It has a splendid idol of Parshvanatha with a seven-hooded serpent canopy in the main shrine and a hall with 16 pillars and 16 images of Tirthankaras. The temple also has a rock inscription of Akkana that praises her devotion and generosity.
Vindhyagiri Temple:
This temple is located on Vindhyagiri Hill, adjacent to the Bahubali Gomateshwara statue. It is dedicated to Neminatha, the 22nd Tirthankara of Jains. It was built by Chamundaraya in 983 CE. It has a graceful idol of Neminatha in the main shrine and a hall with 24 pillars and 24 images of Tirthankaras. The temple also has a rock inscription of Chamundaraya that narrates his life story and achievements.
Jain Math:
This is a religious institution that is located at the base of Vindhyagiri Hill. It is the headquarters of the Digambara sect of Jainism in South India. It was established by Chamundaraya in 981 CE. It houses a library, a museum, a guest house, and a dining hall for pilgrims. It also preserves many ancient manuscripts, sculptures, paintings, and relics related to Jainism.
Jain Culture and Beliefs in Shravanabelagola
Jainism is an ancient religion that teaches non-violence, truthfulness, non-attachment, and self-control as the means to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Jainism believes in the existence of Tirthankaras, who are enlightened beings who have attained Kevala Jnana or omniscience and have shown the path of salvation to others.
Jainism also believes in the existence of Jinas, who are liberated souls who have conquered their inner enemies such as anger, greed, pride, and delusion. Jainism also believes in the concepts of Dharma, which is the principle of cosmic order; Karma, which is the cause and effect of actions; Ahimsa, which is non-violence towards all living beings; Anekantavada, which is the multiplicity of viewpoints; Syadvada, which is the conditional expression of truth; and Aparigraha, which is non-possession or detachment from worldly things.
Jainism has two major sects: Digambara and Shvetambara. Digambara means “sky-clad” or naked, while Shvetambara means “white-clad” or clothed. The main difference between them is their interpretation of the ascetic practices of Tirthankaras and Jinas. Digambaras believe that Tirthankaras and Jinas renounced all possessions, including clothes, while Shvetambaras believe that they wore white clothes or robes. Digambaras also believe that women cannot attain Kevala Jnana or liberation unless they are reborn as men, while Shvetambaras believe that women can attain both.
Shravanabelagola is a stronghold of Digambara Jainism in South India. It has been a center of Jain culture, learning, and art for over a thousand years. The people of Shravanabelagola follow the teachings and traditions of Digambara Jainism with utmost devotion and reverence. They practice meditation, prayer, fasting, charity, pilgrimage, and festivals as part of their religious duties. They also live in harmony with nature and other beings, respecting their life and dignity.
Travel Guide to Shravanabelagola
If you are planning to visit Shravanabelagola, here are some useful tips and information for your trip:
- The best time to visit Shravanabelagola is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. The summer months of April to June are hot and dry, while the monsoon months of July to September are wet and humid. If you want to witness the Mahamastakabhisheka festival, you need to plan your trip according to the 12-year cycle of the event.
- The nearest airport to Shravanabelagola is Bengaluru International Airport, which is about 160 km away. You can take a flight from any major city in India or abroad to Bengaluru and then hire a taxi or a bus to Shravanabelagola.
- The nearest railway station to Shravanabelagola is Hassan Railway Station, which is about 50 km away. You can take a train from Bengaluru, Mysore, Mangalore, or other nearby cities to Hassan and then hire a taxi or a bus to Shravanabelagola.
- The nearest bus station to Shravanabelagola is Channarayapatna Bus Station, which is about 12 km away. You can take a bus from Bengaluru, Mysore, Hassan, Mangalore, or other nearby cities to Channarayapatna and then hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to Shravanabelagola.
- There are many accommodation options in Shravanabelagola based on your budget and preference. You can choose from hotels, resorts, homestays, guest houses, or dharamshalas that offer comfortable rooms and amenities. Some of the popular places to stay in Shravanabelagola are Hotel Raghu, Hotel Yatri Nivas, Hotel Mayura International, Jain Dharamshala, and Jain Yatri Niwas.
- There are many things to see and do in Shravanabelagola apart from visiting the temples and monuments. You can explore the local markets, cuisines, crafts, or museums that reflect the culture and lifestyle of the people of Shravanabelagola.
- You can also enjoy the scenic views of the ponds and hills that surround the city. Some of the places to visit in Shravanabelagola are Belagola Lake, Tyagada Kamba, Manasthamba Pillar, Chandragupta Basadi Museum, and Indragiri Teerth.
Nearby Places That You Can Visit!
You can also visit some of the nearby places from Shravanabelagola that offer more attractions and experiences. Some of the places you can visit are:
Shimoga:
This is a city in Karnataka that is known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. You can visit the Jog Falls, the second-highest plunge waterfall in India; the Shivappa Nayaka Palace, a 17th-century historical monument; the Sakrebailu Elephant Camp, a conservation and training center for elephants; and the Agumbe Rainforest, a biodiversity hotspot and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chikmagalur:
This is a hill station in Karnataka that is famous for its coffee plantations and scenic landscapes. You can visit the Mullayanagiri Peak, the highest peak in Karnataka; the Baba Budangiri Range, a sacred site for both Hindus and Muslims; the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, a habitat for tigers, elephants, leopards, and other animals; and the Hebbe Falls, a refreshing waterfall surrounded by greenery.
You may like to check out: Everything you wanted to know about Shravanabelagola!
Belur and Halebidu:
These are two towns in Karnataka that are renowned for their Hoysala architecture and art. You can visit the Chennakeshava Temple, a 12th-century temple dedicated to Vishnu; the Hoysaleswara Temple, a 12th-century temple dedicated to Shiva; the Kedareshwara Temple, a 13th-century temple dedicated to Shiva; and the Veeranarayana Temple, a 13th-century temple dedicated to Vishnu. These temples are adorned with intricate carvings of gods, goddesses, animals, and scenes from Hindu mythology.
Also check out: Karnataka’s Hoysala Temples Make History As India’s 42nd World Heritage Site, Following Santiniketan
Hassan:
This is a city in Karnataka that is the headquarters of the Hassan district. You can visit the Hasanamba Temple, a 12th-century temple dedicated to Shakti; the Shettihalli Church, a Gothic-style church that submerges in water during monsoon; the Gorur Dam, a reservoir that offers boating and fishing facilities; and the Maharaja Park, a botanical garden that has various plants and flowers.
Mysore:
This is a city in Karnataka that is known as the cultural capital of Karnataka. You can visit the Mysore Palace, a 19th-century palace that is the residence of the Wodeyar dynasty; the Chamundi Hills, a hill that has a temple dedicated to Chamundeshwari; Brindavan Gardens, a garden that has musical fountains and light shows; and the Mysore Zoo, a zoo that has various animals and birds.
Coorg:
This is a district in Karnataka that is also called Kodagu. It is known as the Scotland of India for its misty hills and lush greenery. You can visit the Abbey Falls, a waterfall that cascades from a height of 70 feet; the Raja’s Seat, a viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the valley; the Madikeri Fort, a 17th-century fort that has a museum and a church; and the Nagarhole National Park, a national park that has tigers, elephants, deer, and other wildlife.
Shravanabelagola is a must-visit destination for Jain pilgrims and cultural enthusiasts. It offers a unique blend of spirituality, history, art, and nature.
It also has many temples and monuments that showcase the glory of Jainism and its contribution to Indian civilization. It also has many places to explore and enjoy in and around it. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience of Jainism and Karnataka, Shravanabelagola is the place for you.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new about Shravanabelagola. See you soon on your next adventure!