Shravanabelagola

One of the oldest Jain pilgrimage, Sravanabelagola, in the Dharmasthala district of Karnataka, is around 150 kms from Bangalore. Nestled between Indragiri and Chandragiri hills, the city is known for a monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara. This 17 meter tall statue of the Lord, also known as bahubali is the tallest and most elegant statues in the world. Carved out of a single rock, the statue was made by Chamundaraya, a minister of King Rachamatta of Ganga dynasty in 983 AD. Housed in the famous Manjunath Temple of the state, this nude statue symbolizes renunciation and self-control. It is a representative of Bahubali's complete victory over the worldly desires.

Built on top of a hill, the temple stands at a height of 3000 feet above sea level. A flight of 500 steps provides access to this temple. Located at a distance of 93 km from Mysore, Sravanbelagola is 49 kms from Hassan and 86 kms from Belur.

Legend related to the statue states that Gomatesheshwara was a mighty Jain prince named Bahubali. His elder brother Bharata once sought to usurp his kingdom. Bahubali had to fight a long war with Bharata to save his kingdom. This destructive war led to heavy massacres. Seeing this, Bahubali accepted defeat right when he was on the verge of victory. To the shock and repentance of his brother, the former relinquished all his worldly possessions and left to lead a life of severe penance and meditation. He attained salvation or 'Nirvana' at the end.

It is that great sacrifice only which converted Bahubali into Saint Gomatesheshwara. A nude form of his at Sravanabelagola is a much revered Jain shrine. The great sacrifice of this saint is celebrated as a grand festival known as Mahamastakabhisheka. Observing a grand celebration, this festival is held once in every 12 years. The naked form of Bahubali is anointed with honey, almonds, saffron, sandalwood, coconut milk, dates, bananas, poppy seed, ghee and even gold and silver coins on this day. The next ceremony is scheduled in 2017.