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Shravanabelagola is one of the Most Famous Jain Pilgrim Sites in India
Shravanabelagola, a proposed heritage centre of India, is one of the most famous pilgrimage spots for the Jain community in South India. The place represents the richness of Hoysala art. It lies in Hassan district of Karnataka, which is 145 kms from Bangalore. The sleepy little town of Shravanabelagola is crowned by two hills named Chandragiri and Vindyagiri with a “belagola” named Kalyani in between. The term “belagola” stands for an ancient white pond. At the base of the two hills is a “Mutt” where Jain Munis reside. Also, there is a Sanskrit Pathsala where Sanskrit and Shastras are taught.
Vindhyagiri or the Large Hill
At the foot of the Vindhyagiri hill is a temple of Bhramadeva that has an idol of Lord Parasvanath. As we climb further on the hill, we get to see many more temples such as Chauvvisatirthankara Basadi, Chennanna Basadi, Odegal Basadi and Siddhara Basadi. Opposite to Lord Gomateshwara’s statue on the top, there a beautiful pillar, which has four creepers carved on it. This pillar is named Tyagada Bhramadeva. The entrance of the enclosure where the monolithic statue is placed is called Akhanda-Dvara and has beautiful carvings of Gajalakshmi. This enclosure enshrines a large number of beautiful images of the twenty four Tirthankaras, Vakshi Kushmandini, and the colossal image of Lord Bahubali.
Lord Bahubali’s Statue
Lord Bahubali’s statue is said to have been built from single stone of smooth fine grey granite and stands to the divine height of 17 metres. This monolithic idol shows Lord Bahubali standing erect over anthills and serpents with a serene expression on his face. Also, one can see creepers encircling his legs and waist. The statue is captures the Lord’s perfect features and curly hair with his head resting on massive shoulders. What one rarely notices about the perfection of the idol is that the length of the index finger of each of the hands is not same. It is said that this was deliberately done due to a belief that with a flaw like that nobody can make the statue “khandit”. About 650 steps have been cut on the Vinghyagiri hill to reach this statue.
About Lord Bahubali
Also, known as Lord Gomateshwara, Lord Bahubali was the son of the first Jain “tirthankara” named Lord Adinatha. Lord Adinatha had 99 other sons and when he renounced his kingdom, there was a big fight between the two brothers, Bahubali and Bharatha, over the kingdom. Bhartha lost this battle, but Bahubali did not feel any happiness on seeing his brother’s defeat. He then gave the kingdom to his brother and then attained Kevalagnana. It was Chavundaraya, a minister of Ganga dynasty who got the statue of Lord Bahubali installed at Shravanabelagola in 988 AD.
Chandragiri or the Small Hill
The other hill, Chandragiri, is situated just opposite to Vindhyagiri. There are 240 steps that take us to its summit. This hill is characterized by several mantapas, toranas and basadis. After climbing 192 steps one reaches a beautiful torana with 16 pillars. The sight of Bhadrabahu Cave, Marasimha’s Stambha, Mahanavami Mantapa, Gangaraja Mantapa, Nishidhi Mantapa takes one into another era. The hill is also dotted with many basadis, few of which are Shantinatha Basadi, Parshwanatha Basadi, Chandragupta Basadi, Kattale Basadi and Chavundarya Basadi.
Mahamasthakabhisheka Festival
The Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsava of Lord Bahubali at Shravanabelagola occurs after every 12 years. The main attraction of this festival is the anointing of Lord Bahubali’s statue with milk, curd, ghee, sugar, almonds, kesar and flowers. Special scaffolding is constructed for devotees to climb up and pour the sacred fluid using “Kalasas” on the Lord’s head. Exclusive bidding process takes place for these kalasas, and the collection is used for the development of various sections of society. The ceremony begins with the priests pouring 1008 kalasas over the image in the midst of chanting mantras and poojas. Those who have attended this festival in the past say that it is a divine experience. Apart from all this, other poojas, aradhanas, cultural programs and exhibitions are also organized.
How to reach
By Road:
145 kms away from Bangalore- Well constructed road. Picturesque views on the way.
51 kms from Hassan.
11 kms from Channarayapatna.
83 kms from Mysore.
78 kms from Halebid.
233 kms from Mangalore.
89 kms from Belur
KSRTC buses and Private Taxis are available from all the places mentioned above at reasonable fares.
Nearest Railway Station: Hassan
Nearest Airport: Bangalore
Accommodation
Yatri Niwases, Bungalows, KSTDC Hotels and Guest Houses at Shravanabelagola itself.
Many good hotels at Hassan and Channarayapatna.
Tariff starts from Rs. 20 for a bed to Rs. 500 for a deluxe room. Do not forget to carry a mosquito repellent while going for a stay at Shravanabelagola!
Food
Few local restaurants are available at Shravanabelagola that serve both North Indian and South Indian cuisine. We enjoyed piping hot rava idlis, dosas and sheera.
Local Transport
Autorickshaws to travel from one place to another.
“Dolis” built of a comfortable cane chair carried by four men for a tour over the hills.
Marketplace
The local market at Shravanabelagola is quite colourful with its collection of restaurants, bakeries, ATM centers, fruit and vegetable vendors, stationary shops, curio shops, medical store etc. All in all, the market is well established and provides everything that is essential.
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