Shravanabelagola is a city located in the Hassan district, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The place represents the richness of Hoysala art. It is one of the most important Jain pilgrim centers. 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.

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 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 Vindyagiri 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.

Mahamasthakabhisheka Festival

The Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsava of Lord Bahubali at Shravanabelagola occurs 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.