Shravanabelagola is a small town situated in Hassan district in Karnataka. This place is mostly known for the statue of Gommateshwara Bahubali which is considered to be the world’s largest monolithic statue. This giant statue is located in Vindhyagiri hill. One needs to climb 660 steep steps carved on the hill slope to reach at the top which is about 500 feet high. There is also another path to reach here. You can utilize this way to enjoy the natural beauty of the place. As you climb up you reach the Odegal Basadi first. U can view the scenic beauty of Chandragiri from here. As you move up, you can see the magnificent statue of Bahubali at 58 feet height. This statue was built in the year 982 AD. Opposite to the Vindhyagiri hill, you can view Chandragiri from here. Unlike the other path, this way is less steep slope. On the way you can see many basadis (Jain temples), built in the memory of the pilgrims. Each basadi is impressively beautiful and different from the other. They were built during different era and has different style or architecture. Every 12 years, the Mahamastakabhisheka is celebrated as a part of Jain rituals. The statue is bathed in milk, honey and precious herbs. This is supposed to bring peace and harmony to the world. The Mysore king has the right to perform the offering first. You may spend the whole day touring in Shravanabelagola to learn more about the social and cultural life of the Jain community.
