Shravanbelagola

Shravanbelagola serves as one of the most frenzied and sought-after hubs for the bulk of people who are ardent followers of Jainism. The magniloquent knoll designated as Vindhyagiri constitute one of the two hillocks located in the majestic city of Shravanbelagola that is sited at a spot which is approximately 158 kilometers away from Bangalore.

The pinnacle of Shravanbelagola measures a staggering 3347 feet from the sea level. Being positioned at the apex of 614 step staircase, patients suffering from recurring heart problems are advised to take adequate precautions before commencing this daunting climb.

The star attraction at the Shravanbelagola is the 59 feet and 8 inches tall monolithic statuette belonging to Sri Gomatheswara who was the much celebrated successor of 'Adinath', who is reckoned as the maiden Tirthankara. This stupendous granite embodiment of Sri Gomatheswara came into its illustrious macrocosm in 978 to 993 AD during the reign of Ganga King Rajmalla's minister, Chundaraya.

The colossal statuette of Sri Gomatheswara, also renowned by the name of 'Bahubali' houses letterings in dialects like Kannad, Tamil and Marathi which is argued to be most veteran among the trio and believed to have been created in 981 AD. All these inscriptions convey a vivid description of the valiant upsurge and resurgence that transformed the Ganga, Hoysalas, Vijaynagar and Rasgtrakutas into a force to be reckoned with.

The primary attraction at the Shravanbelagola is the 'Mahamastakabhiseka' ceremony that is carried out at an interval of 12 tears with great pomp and éclat. This Mahamastakabhiseka observance is marked by embrocating the head of the Sri Gomatheswara with multiple ingredients like ghee, milk, curd, saffron, and golden tokens in the form of coins.