Shravana Bellagola is one of the most famous historical and religious places in the state of Karnataka, India. The statue that you will see in the pictures below is that of Gomateshwara also known as Bahubali.
Distance From Bengaluru: Approximately 158 kms.
What's Special: Very famous historical and religious place in the state of Karnataka, India. Every 12 years thousands of devotees assemble here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony. A ceremony in which the statue of Gomateshwara is washed with milk, curds, ghee, saffron and covered with gold coins. This surely is one of the great tourist places near Bengaluru (Bangalore).
Mode of Transport: Buses, Trains and any private mode of transport by road.
Near By Places: Mysore, Mysore Palace, Belur, Halebidu, Kemmangundi and Chikmagaluru.
Shravana Belagola is a small town located in the Hassan district of Karnataka, India. It is famous for its towering monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali, which is considered to be one of the largest free-standing statues in the world. This town has been an important pilgrimage center for Jains for over a thousand years and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. In this blog, we will explore the history, significance, and attractions of Shravana Belagola.
History of Shravana Belagola:
Shravana Belagola has a rich history that dates back to the 3rd century BC. According to the Jain tradition, it was the site where the first Tirthankara, Rishabha, attained enlightenment. However, the town's prominence began in the 10th century AD when the Ganga dynasty ruler, Chavundaraya, built the Bahubali statue.
The construction of the statue took over 12 years to complete and involved thousands of workers. It is said that Chavundaraya was inspired to build the statue after he had a dream of Lord Bahubali. The statue stands at a height of 57 feet and is carved out of a single block of granite. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of ancient Indian art and architecture.
Significance of Shravana Belagola:
Shravana Belagola is an important pilgrimage center for Jains and is considered to be one of the holiest sites in the religion. The town is believed to be the place where Lord Bahubali, the son of the first Tirthankara, Rishabha, attained enlightenment. Lord Bahubali is revered by Jains for his strength and his ability to overcome worldly desires. The statue of Lord Bahubali is the focal point of the town and is believed to be a source of spiritual energy.
Attractions of Shravana Belagola:
Apart from the Bahubali statue, Shravana Belagola has several other attractions that are worth exploring. One of the most popular attractions is the Chandragiri hill, which is located adjacent to the town. The hill is home to several Jain temples and is considered to be an important pilgrimage site. Visitors can hike up the hill to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Another popular attraction is the Kalyani or the holy pond, which is located near the Bahubali statue. The pond is believed to be sacred and is used for ritual bathing. Visitors can also explore the numerous Jain temples that are scattered throughout the town. The most famous of these is the Vindhyagiri temple, which is located at the base of the Bahubali statue.
Conclusion:
Shravana Belagola is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient Indian art, architecture, and religion. The town's rich history, significance, and attractions make it a fascinating place to explore. Whether you are a Jain pilgrim or a history buff, Shravana Belagola has something to offer everyone.
Very interesting post... Beautiful pictures...Thanks! your blog is one of my must-visit place when I plan trips.This post is very useful for those who wish to explore tourist places near bangalore
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