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Shravanabelagola CF

Famous for the wonderful colossal statue of Lord Bahubali Gomateshwara, Shravanabelagola is one of most remarkable place of Jain pilgrimage. Shravanabelagola means 'white pond of the ascetic' settles between two rocky hills. The larger hill is called Indragiri/Vindyagiri or Doddabetta whereas the smaller one is known as Chandragiri or Chikkabetta.

The pond had been dry for a long time. Later in 17th Century Chikka Deva raja Wodeyar converted it into temple tank at the foot of larger hill. Although Shravanabelagola in itself is a small town with population less than 5000, it is fortunated with some interesting monuments.

The literal translation of 'Shravana' provides Jain Tirthankara or the ascetic Human being who has renounced everything related to the materialist world including the need to be dressed, and that of Belagola intends “a white lake”.

A Brief History

According to legend when Emperor Vrishabhadeva renounced his kingdom to lead a life of penance, a mortal conflict originated between his two sons over his empire which led to bitter battle. The hard fought battle was won by the elder son Bahubali (Who later became the second Tirthankar). At the moment of his victory Bahubali realized the flesh of revelation and the shallowness of the materialist world. He gave away the kingdom to his younger brother Bharata and moved for a life of an ascetic that continued for thousands of years. It is believed that he stood motionless in meditation for so long that anthills formed at his feet and vines grew around his body. People believe that his penance still continues in the form of colossal statue of Gomateshwar which is a wonder of sculptural art, symbolism and engineering.

Festivities

A car festival is held on this day at Shravanabelagola with great devotion.

Once in twelve years, 'at certain conjunctions of the heavenly bodies' the 'mastakabhisheka' or the head anointing ceremony of bahubali is performed. At this auspicious occasion the statue of Bahubali is bathed in milk, ghee, curd, Vermillion, flowers saffron, sandalwood, and finally silver, gold coins and 1008 pots of holy water. Lacks of devotees gather and celebrate the festival with profound enthusiasm.

How to Commute

There are not many direct busses from Bangalore to Shravanabelagola but most of the busses (except the direct/luxury services) going to Hassan stops at Hirisave and Channarayapatna. You can get down at Hirisave which is 18 km away from Shravanabelagola but there is no frequent connectivity to Shravanabelagola. Either you wait for the KSRTC bus which may be a long wait or hop into any shared auto to Shravanabelagola.

Another option is, you can get down at Channarayapatna which is much preferred because of better connectivity with Shravanabelagola. From Channarayapatna, you can get a KSRTC bus to Shravanabelagola (11km).

Distance from Major Towns

Bangalore: 176 km

Hassan: 49 km

Belur: 85 km

Halebidu: 79 km

Mysore: 83 km

Nearest Railway station: Hassan

Nearest Airport: Bangalore

Other Attractions

Monuments at Indragiri/Vindyagiri or Doddabetta, Odegal Basti (Trikuta Basti), Tyagada Kamba, Akhanda Bagilu, Gullekayi Ajji Mantapa and Chennanna Basti.