Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola, in Karnataka’s Hassan district, is one of the holiest centres of Jainism and has a recorded history of over a thousand years. The town lies between two granitic hills—Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri—with a large tank (“beli-gola” = white pond) giving it its name. Its most iconic feature is the 17-metre monolithic statue of Bahubali (Gomateshwara) on Vindhyagiri, visible from far away.

The region became important from around the 10th century CE, when the Western Ganga dynasty patronised Jainism. The great general Chavundaraya commissioned the colossal Bahubali statue circa 981 CE, carved from a single rock. This was both a religious act and a statement of royal power and devotion. Over the next few centuries, under the Gangas, Hoysalas and later Vijayanagara rulers, numerous basadis (Jain temples), pillared halls and steles with inscriptions were added on both hills and in the town below.

Shravanabelagola also emerged as a major centre of Jain scholarship and monastic life, with many acharyas residing and teaching here. The town is famous for the Mahamastakabhisheka, the grand anointing of Bahubali held roughly every 12 years, when millions of devotees bathe the statue with milk, saffron and other offerings. Through all political changes, Shravanabelagola has remained a living tirtha, symbolising Jain non-violence, renunciation and artistic achievement.