SHRAVANABELAGOLA TEMPLE KARNATAKA Location : Hassan District in Karnataka Famous For : Gomteshwara Statue (Tallest Monolithic Statue in the World) Distance : 157 kms from Bangalore Best Time to Visit : October to March

Shravanabelagola – Jain Pilgrim Destination in Karnataka

In the Hassan district of Karnataka lies Shravanabelagola the only Jain pilgrimage sites. Referred as one of the important holy destinations for Jains in India, the city holds the attractions of famous Gomteshwara statue at a distance of 50 kms from Hassan and 157 kms from Bangalore. There are various tours that covers Shravanabelagola the architectural and sculptural pinnacle that flourished under the patronage of Gangas of Talakad. The term 'Shravanabelagola' in literal sense means 'the land of pond' as the town is having some of the grand ponds right amidst the city-center. Shravanabelagola is also an important tourist destination in Karnataka.

Travel Attractions of Shravanabelagola – Making it the Mightiest

The major tourist attraction in Shravanabelagola is undoubtedly the famous Gomteshwara statue. Having a height of around 17 mts, this statue of Lord Bahubali is the tallest monolithic statue in the world. The image was installed by Chavundaraya in 988 AD, who was the minister of Ganga King Rachamalla Sathyavakya. Located at the top of Indragiri hill, it is surrounded by many sacred Jain temples. A very famous festival is also associated with this town. The best time to visit this pilgrim centre in Karnataka is during the Mahamastakabhisheka festival, that is held once in 12 years. The festival was recently concluded in the year 2006 and is scheduled next in 2018. The main highlights of this festival are the various rituals and rites performed. Enjoy seeing the great statue bathed in milk, sugarcane juice and saffron paste. Devotees offer flower petals, sandalwood powder and turmeric powder. However, the best part of the festival is the end when millions and trillions of flower petals are thrown from a helicopter on the statue.
Besides the mammoth statue, there are many Jain temples as well in Shravanabelagola that are worth seeing.

Excursions from Shravanabelagola

Besides the temples and statue in Shravanabelagola, there are many excursions that travellers should enjoy. Travel 30 kms from Shravanabelagola and reach Halebid, another famous city in Karnataka. Known as the gem of Indian architecture, see the temple ruins of the Hoyasala dynasty. Another important excur from Shravanabelagola is to Belur (60 kms). Here tourists are advised to see the Hoysala Mahotsava, the magnanimous dance festival held at the Hoysala temples.

Getting There – Reaching the Holy Site

Shravanabelagola is not very far from Bangalore, thus making it easily accessible from the major parts of the country as well as the world. The nearest airport is at Bangalore (157 kms). Regular flights of Indian and Jet connects Bangalore to the main areas of the country. From here one has to hire a taxi or bus to reach the main town. The nearest railway station is at Hassan (50 kms). Taxi or car are also the only options from here.
To reach the city by road, Shravanabelagola is well-connected by a network of roads to Bangalore, Mysore and Hassan. Buses from Hassan are frequent. Local transport includes auto rickshaws, private cars and buses.