Sravanabelagola

Sravanabelagola is a small town located in the Hassan district of Karnataka, India. It is considered a significant pilgrimage site for Jains and is known for its monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali, also known as Gommateshwara. The statue, which stands at 58 feet tall, is considered one of the largest monolithic statues in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The town has a rich history that dates back to the 3rd century BC. Jainism, one of the oldest religions in India, has a strong presence in Sravanabelagola. The Jain community has been visiting the town for centuries to pay homage to Lord Bahubali, who is considered to be one of the most important figures in Jainism. The statue of Lord Bahubali is carved out of a single granite rock and was built in the 10th century AD. It is said to have been built by the Ganga dynasty minister and commander Chavundaraya.

The statue of Lord Bahubali is located on the top of Vindhyagiri Hill, which is approximately 800 meters above sea level. It is said that the statue was built as a symbol of victory over the ego and is considered to be a representation of the Jain principle of ahimsa or non-violence. The statue is also said to be a symbol of the victory of the Jain religion over Buddhism, which was prevalent in the area at the time.

In addition to the statue of Lord Bahubali, Sravanabelagola also has several other Jain temples and monuments that are significant from a historical and cultural perspective. One of the most famous temples is the Chandragiri Temple, which is located on the opposite hill to Vindhyagiri. The temple is said to have been built in the 9th century AD and is dedicated to Lord Neminatha, the 22nd Tirthankara of Jainism. The temple has several intricate carvings and sculptures that are a testament to the skill of the artisans who built it.

Another significant monument in Sravanabelagola is the Kattale Basadi, which is located on the Vindhyagiri Hill. The monument is said to have been built in the 12th century AD and is dedicated to Lord Parshwanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism. The monument is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures and is considered to be a masterpiece of Jain architecture.

Sravanabelagola is also known for its Jain inscriptions, which are considered to be some of the oldest and most important inscriptions in the Jain religion. The inscriptions, which are carved on the rocks surrounding the statue of Lord Bahubali, are said to date back to the 9th century AD. They are written in the ancient Jain Prakrit language and contain information about the history of the Jain community and the construction of the statue of Lord Bahubali.

In conclusion, Sravanabelagola is a town with a rich history and cultural significance. It is a pilgrimage site for Jains and is known for its monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali, which is considered one of the largest monolithic statues in the world. The town also has several other Jain temples and monuments that are significant from a historical and cultural perspective, such as Chandragiri Temple, Kattale Basadi, and Jain inscriptions. Sravanabelagola is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to marvel at its beauty and learn about its rich history.