Shravanabelagola

Overview:

Nestled betwixt the hills of Chandragiri and Vindyagiri is the small town of Shravanabelagola. Shravanabelagola is revered as a scared placed by Jains homing ancient Jain heritage dating back 2300 years. Burgeoning with plush verdant beauty comprised of copiously swaying legions of coconut trees and natural water bodies; the town is one of the most extrusive Jain pilgrimage sites, because of the massive monolithic statue of Lord Gomatheeswara, and in part for its various architecturally marvelous Jain temples. The Jain way of life and its message of non-violence are epitomized at Shravanabelagola and its peaceful environs. The town belongs to the Hassan district in the Indian state of Karnataka. The name of Shravanabelagola in the regional language literally translates into ‘land of ponds’. According to some of the medieval inscriptions found in the region, Shravanabelagola derives its name from the Solanum ferox plant. The ascription of this etymology is an allusion to the legend which dictates, that a pious old woman completely anointed the colossal statue image with the milk which she carried in an eggplant. There are two quaint hills in the town called Indragiri and Chandragiri. Chandragiri is famous for its numerous shrines, 14 of which are enclosed in a fort-like structure. The shrines have all been built in the Dravidian style. There is also a cave on the hill where Srutakaveli Bhadrabahu is believed to have meditated. The emperor Chandragupta Maurya is also believed to have spent the last few years of his life as an ascetic in this cave, worshipping the footprints of the saint. Another place worth visiting in Chandragiri is the temple of Lord Parshwanatha. It has majestic archways and miniature turrets on the outer walls. The weather is warm during the summer months beginning from March to mid-May and the monsoon months from mid-May to September bring torrential rains in the region. However, the cold and pleasant winter months starting from October to February are considered as the ideal time for exploring Shravanabelagola. Renting a Bangalore taxi or car to commute to Shravanabelagola would prove very convenient. The distance between the two cities is around 158 kilometers, and the trip from Bangalore to Shravanabelagola by car takes about 2 hours. Visitors prefer to hire cabs or taxis in Bangalore for visiting various places of interest in Shravanabelagola as these Bangalore taxi services allow visitors to travel comfortably while enjoying the scenic beauty on the way.

Places of interest:

The Indragiri hills are also known as Vindhyagiri. There is a Brahmadeva Temple at the base of the hill that houses an idol of the deity carved from red stone. Five hundred and seventy two steps lead up to the temple situated atop the hill and it is another architectural marvel on rock.

At the peak of the hill is located the prime attraction of Shravanabelagola, the Bhabuli Statue. Standing 57 feet high, it is tallest monolithic statue of Saint Gomateswara in the world. This specimen of sculptural and architectural mastery has numerous inscriptions carved on its surface.

The Kalamma Temple is devoted to the Hindu Goddess Kali. It is the sole Hindu temple in the village. The idol of Kali which is housed within the temple is expertly sculpted with amazing precision. Though it is a Hindu temple, even Jains offer their prayers here due to its spiritual significance, faith and spirituality.

Some of the sites worth visiting in Shravanabelagola include Jaina Math, Bhandaribasadi Temple, Akkanabasadi Temple and Halebid among others. Tourist renting a taxi or cab from Bangalore to Shravanabelagola can retain it during their stay in Shravanabelagola so they can use it to go sightseeing in and around the place.

Things to do:

Apart from visiting the beautiful Jain temples and monuments, visitors can undertake a hike on the two hills surrounding the village.

Nature lovers should take a leisurely stroll through the village. Photographers, amateur and professionals alike would love the perpetual subjects that are both natural and man-made.

Visitors can spend time relaxing or meditating at the Jain Math. Driving around the city can prove to be quite a colourful experience.

Being more of a pilgrimage destination, there aren’t many dining options at Shravanabelagola. The region is best known for the authentic Jain and Marwadi cuisines. Vishnu Regency Restaurant, Jain Marwadi Bhojanalya, Suranga and Andhra Dhaba are few of the restaurants serving delicious traditionally prepared food.

The head anointing ceremony of Gomatheeswara statue in Shravanabelagola is known as Mahamastak Abhisheka. It is the most eminent festival which is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm in Shravanabelagola. More than a million people gather at and around the slopes of the hill to observe and participate in the festivities.