Shravanabelagola
Home to the world's tallest monolithic stone statue — the 57-foot Gomateshwara (Bahubali) — a 1,000-year-old Jain pilgrimage center.
Distance
144 km
Drive Time
3 Hours
Deity
Bahubali (Gomateshwara)
Timings
6:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Best Time
October to February
Ideal Duration
Half Day
Entry Fee
Free
Dress Code
Modest clothing, barefoot on the hill
Top Highlights
Best For
About Shravanabelagola
Shravanabelagola is one of the most important Jain pilgrimage sites in India. The 57-foot monolithic statue of Gomateshwara (Lord Bahubali) on Vindyagiri Hill was commissioned in 981 CE by Chavundaraya, a minister of the Ganga King. It remains the tallest monolithic stone statue in the world. The 'Mahamasthakabhisheka' — a grand anointing ceremony held every 12 years — draws hundreds of thousands of devotees who bathe the statue in milk, saffron, and sandalwood paste. The site has been continuously revered for over 2,300 years, with inscriptions dating to the 3rd century BCE.
Photos
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Awe-inspiring monolithic statue
- Rich Jain heritage
- Well-maintained site
- Can combine with Hassan/Belur trip
Cons
- 614 steps to climb to the statue
- No footwear allowed on the hill
- Hot stone steps in summer
- Limited shade on the climb