Discover Shravanabelagola Temple: Home to the World's Tallest Monolithic Statue

The world's tallest monolithic statue stands within this temple. The statue of Gomateshwara, also known as Bahubali, rises to a striking 17 meters. Constructed around 983 AD, it can be seen from as far as 30 kilometers away.

Located in the town of Shravanabelagola in Karnataka's Hassan district, the Gomateshwara Temple is perched 3350 meters above sea level. The town, also celebrated as a city of ponds and temples, serves as a prominent Jain pilgrimage center. The imposing statue of Bahubali is situated on Vindhyagiri Hill, one of the two hills in Shravanabelagola, the other being Chandragiri. At the statue's base, an inscription commemorates the valiant General Chavundaraya of King Rajamalla’s Ganga Dynasty who funded its construction as a tribute to his mother.

The name "Shravana" signifies "saint," and "Belagola" translates to "white pond." This statue is among the initial listings of the new Seven Wonders of India.

History of Shravanabelagola Temple :

Rishabanatha, the first of the 24 Tirthankaras in Jainism, fathered 99 sons. Bharata, Bahubali’s elder brother, and he contested their inherited kingdom. Bahubali triumphed in all three confrontations but renounced his claim, preferring to contemplate the well-being of others over reign. He ultimately renounced the kingdom and embraced meditation. Bahubali rigorously pursued penance until achieving 'Kevali Arihanta' or perfect knowledge, earning him the moniker 'Gomateshwara,' where 'Gommata' in Kannada means immense. A prolonged meditation rendered him so unfazed by worldly matters that vines grew around his body, a detail immortalized in the statue’s carvings.

Specialty of Shravanabelagola Temple :

• Bahubali, also called “Kammateshwara,” was born in Ayodhya.
• His granite statue weighs around 80 tons.
• The "Digambara," or nude, statue symbolizes victory over earthly attachments in Jainism.
• Its serene expression mirrors Bahubali’s tranquil mind, and the complete figure is poised upon a lotus flower.
• "Yakshini" and "Yaksha" statues flanking it symbolize devotional offerings.
• The complete figure stands on a lotus flower. Here, "Yakshini" and "Yaksha" statues represent service offerings.
• The temple features sculptures of the 24 Tirthankaras to the left of Bahubali.

Temple and Pooja Timings :

General Time : 6 AM - 11.30 AM and 3.30 PM - 6.30 PM.

(Offering of “Prasadham” to all visitors from 12 noon and dry fruits as Prasadham)

Temple Festivals:

The Mahamastakabisheka, a grand holy bath festival, occurs every twelve years, celebrating Bahubali with offerings like milk, ghee, curd, sugarcane juice, and saffron water. Last celebrated in 2018, it coincides with the Neela Kurinji bloom cycles.

Dress Code :

Visitors are advised to dress cleanly and modestly. Devotees often wear white or saffron dhotis and sarees.

Nearby Temples :

• Chowdeshwari Temple (62.5 km away from Bahubali Temple)
• Doddagaddavalli Lakshmi Devi Temple (70.6 km away from Bahubali Temple)
• Sri Sowmyakeshava Perumal Temple (35.7 km away from Bahubali Temple)
• Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple (58.2 km away from Bahubali Temple)
• Sri Siddhalingeshwara Swamy Temple (53km away from Bahubali Temple)

How to Reach Shravanabelagola Temple? :

By Air : The nearest international airport is the Bangalore International Airport. It is just four and a half hours away from Shravanabelagola. (The airport is 164.5 km away from Shravanabelagola)

By Rail : Major destinations like Pune, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Thane, Coimbatore, Shimla are connected to the railway station in Shravanabelagola.

By Road : Frequent bus services from major cities connect Shravanabelagola. 89 km from Mysore and 18 km away from Hirisave. Cabs and Shared taxis from the airport is a good option.

Address : Shravanabelagola, Karnataka 573135.

FAQs :

Where is Shravanabelagola Temple located, and why is it famous?

Shravanabelagola Temple is located in Karnataka's Hassan district, known for its iconic 17-meter tall monolithic statue of Gomateshwara (Bahubali). This Jain pilgrimage site stands atop Vindhyagiri Hill, offering panoramic views of its surroundings.

What is the history behind Shravanabelagola Temple?

Built around 983 AD by General Chavundaraya of the Ganga Dynasty, the temple honors Bahubali, who renounced his kingdom to attain spiritual enlightenment. The statue depicts Bahubali's asceticism, marked by vines growing around his body, symbolizing detachment from worldly desires.

What is the specialty of the Gomateshwara statue?

Carved from a single granite block weighing around 80 tons, the statue of Gomateshwara is renowned for its serene expression and symbolism in Jainism. It represents victory over earthly attachments and features flanking Yakshini and Yaksha statues, embodying devotion and spiritual offerings.

What are the temple timings and festivals celebrated at Shravanabelagola?

The temple is open from 6 AM to 11.30 AM and from 3.30 PM to 6.30 PM daily. Major festivals include Mahamastakabisheka, a grand bath ceremony held every twelve years, and Mahashivaratri, attracting devotees for special rituals and celebrations.

How can visitors reach Shravanabelagola Temple?

Visitors can reach Shravanabelagola by air via Bangalore International Airport (164.5 km) and by rail through nearby stations connecting to major cities. Road access is convenient with regular bus services from Bangalore, Mysore, and other major cities.