Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola – nestled by the Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri hills, protected by the monolith Bhagawan Bahubali and home of 2300 years of lain heritage – is a veritabk picture post card of history spanning centuries. Located in the Hassan district in the Indian state of Karnataka and is 158 km from Bangalore. The statue of Gomateshwara or Bahubali, at Shravanabelagola is one of the most important Jain pilgrimage destinations, one that reached a peak in architectural and sculptural activity under the patronage of Western Ganga Dynasty of Talakad. Described by historians as the closest man has ever got to sculpt `Manmatha` or the mythical Lord of Love the 57 feet tall Gommateshwara Bahubali is magnificent and munificent alike – Magnificent in form and valour, Munificent in prayer and deed. This Son of the first of the twenty four Jain serene, is worshipped for great qualities he made his own in all stages of his life viz., conception, birth, renunciation, enlightenment and salvation. Gorgeous, that is his external appearance. Grand and Illuminating that is his purity for soul, attained by his victory over angel greed and pride, making him the hallowed and revered symbol oi legendary seeker of truth.