Shravanabelagola - nestled by the Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri hills, protected by the monolith Bhagawan Bahubali and home of 2300 years of lain heritage - is a veritabk picture post card of history spanning centuries.
The verdant natural beauty for Shravanabelagola, with the swaying coconut trees and natural water bodies, bear testimony to the legendary mental strength of Tyaga (renunciation) and the soft tender message of Ahimsa (non violence) that embody the lain way of life.It is little wonder then that over centuries.
Shravanabelagola should became the hoary `Tapobhumi’ of kings and monks alike, and more recently attract tourists, pigrimsl and others with an eye far beauty, an ear for history and a mind for peace alike.
Described by historians as the closest man has ever got to sculpt `Manmatha` or the mythical Lord of Love the 57 feet tall Gommateshwara Bahubali is magnificent and munificent alike - Magnificent in form and valour, Munificent in prayer and deed. This Son of the first of the twenty four Jain serene, is worshipped for great qualities he made his own in all stages of his life viz., conception, birth, renunciation, enlightenment and salvation. Gorgeous, that is his external appearance. Grand and Illuminating that is his purity for soul, attained by his victory over angel greed and pride, making him the hallowed and revered symbol oi legendary seeker of truth.
Shravanabelagola is a photographer’s delight. The unquenched thirst one develops after capturing Lord Bahubali on film at Vindhyagiri Is further deepened by inscriptions. And sculptures that virtually speak history dating back to Indus Valley Civilization; and much more.
The Mahamasthakabhisheka, the head anointing ceremmy of the Lord Gommateshwara Sri Bahubali observed once every 12 years in Jain Dharmic cycle is an Integral part of ancient and composite Indian tradition. The ceremony of 2006 is the 87 of the series that commenced in the year 981 -12 Hundreds of devotees and tourists from different parts The world would be participating in the ceremony being held over a span of 12 days, for the first time ever.
Tourist Attractions
Make your Tour to Shravanabelagola memorable by visiting these famous tourist places near Shravanabelagola –
- Chandragiri: You can see the Chandragupta Basadi of the Gangas and the Parashwanatha Basadi here, besides several Jain temples. There is also a famous temple built by Chamundaraya.
- Indragiri: Indragiri has the Gommata monolith, the statue of Bahubali, said to be the tallest monolithic structure in the world. This statue, the exquisitely engraved Tyagada Brahma Pillar, along with Siddhara Basadi, Odegal Basadi, Chennanna Basadi and Chauvvisa Tirthankara Basadi was installed by a Ganga general and scholar Chamundaraya.
- Jinanathapura: Located north of Shravanabelagola, this place has the Aregal Basadi and the Shantinatha Basadi of Hoysala times.
- Inscriptions: More than about 800 inscriptions related to Shravanabelagola are found here, belonging to the period before 10th century. Some of them are recording death by starving (sallekhana) by Jain ascetics and laymen.
- Bhattaraka Math: This Math belongs to the Desiya Gana lineage of Mula Sangha of Digambar monastic tradition.
