Mahamastakabhishek is the major consecration ceremony performed once every 12 years on a 57-foot-high monolithic idol of Lord Bahubali (Gomateshwara) at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka. It is one of the biggest festivals for the Jain community and pays homage to the revered Jain icon Lord Bahubali. According to Jain texts, Bahubali attained liberation from the cycle of birth and death (salvation) on Mount Kailash and is revered by the Jains as a liberated soul (Siddha).
Bahubali is also known as Gommateshwar due to the Gommateshwar statue and an inscription by him being dedicated to Lord Kameshwara. The Gomateshwar statue was built by the minister and commander of the Ganga Chavundarai dynasty.
981 AD nearby.
Shravanabelagola has two hills, Chandragiri and Vindyagiri. Gommateshwara Statue, the 57-foot (17m) high monolithic statue, is located on the Vindyagiri Hill.More than 800 inscriptions have been found at Shravanabelagola, dating to various times from 600 AD to 1830 AD. The statue Gommateshwara is dedicated to the Jain God Bahubali. It is one of the most importanttirthas(pilgrimage destinations) in Jainism, one that reached a peak in architectural and sculptural activity under the patronage of Western Ganga dynasty of Talakad.It was built around 983 A.D. and is one of the largest free-standing statues in the world.On August 5, 2007, the statue was voted as the first of Seven Wondersof India.
Importance of Shravanabelagola:
The town of Shravanabelagola is located near Channaravapatna in the Hassan district of Karnataka. ‘Shravan’ means a Jain ascetic and ‘Belagola’ means a white pool. Shravanabelagola or Shravanabelagola place is famous for the Bahubali statue, considered to be the tallest monolithic statue in the world, carved out of a section of granite. It is one of the most important Jain tirthas (holy places) of Jains in South India. Jain saint Bhadrabahu came to this place from Ujjain with his disciples. Later, Chandragupta Maurya, the ruler of Patna, also gave his kingdom to his son Bindusar and decided to spend his days here.
About Lord Bahubali:
Lord Bahubali or Gomateshwar was the son of the first Jain Tirthankara named Rishabhdev. Lord Bahubali reached Kevalagan after handing over the kingdom to his brother Bharata, who was fighting for the kingdom. The Gomateshwara Temple is built on a hilltop at an elevation of 3347 feet in the Vindhyagiri hills (also known as Indragiri or Doddabetta).
Recently, President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the 88th Mahamastakabhisheka of Lord Gomateshwara by offering a statue of Bahubali at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka’s Hassan district. The President also lit a lamp for the inauguration of the mega-event held once every 12 years.
Additional Information:
Hike: The hike at Shravanabelagolais easy with clear steps(650 steps). We recommend getting a pair of socks since wearing shoe is not allowed during the hike. Additionally,carrying an umbrella or at least a hat would be beneficial if the weather isnot pleasant.
How to Reach Shravanabelagola
by Air
The nearest International Airport is Bengaluru International Airport, roughly four and a half hour drive from Shravanabelagola.
by Rail
Shravanabelagola has its own Railway Station named as Shravanabelagola Railway Station. It is well connected to all the major cities of Karnataka
by Road
Shravanabelagola is 18 Kms from Hirisave, 51 Kms from Hassan, 80 Kms from Halebidu, 83 Kms from Mysore, 89 Kms from Belur, 157 Kms from Bangalore and 221 Kms from Mangalore through KSRTC and some private travel services.
