Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola is an important Jain pilgrimage town located near Channarayapatna in the Hassan district of Karnataka, India. Renowned for its ancient Jain heritage, monumental sculptures and extensive epigraphic record, it is one of the most significant centres of Jainism in South India. The site reached a peak of artistic and architectural development under the patronage of the Western Ganga dynasty and has remained a seat of monastic learning for over two millennia. It is most famous for the colossal monolithic statue of Gommateshwara (Bahubali) and its many temples and inscriptions spread across the twin hills of Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri.

Location and Etymology

Shravanabelagola lies to the south-east of Channarayapatna in Hassan district and is well connected to major heritage centres of Karnataka, including Halebidu, Belur, Mysuru, Bengaluru and Mangaluru. Its sacred structures are distributed across Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri hills and in the surrounding settlement at the foothills.
The name Shravanabelagola is generally interpreted as “White Pond of the Shravana,” referring to the large pond in the centre of the town and the association with the colossal figure of Gommaṭa (Bahubali). The Sanskrit equivalents Dhavalasarovara or Vetasarovara found in inscriptions support this derivation. Some inscriptions also use variants such as Begola, sometimes linked to a local tradition involving an elderly woman offering milk in an eggplant vessel. Other epigraphs refer to the place as Devara Begola or Gommata-puram, attesting to its religious significance.

Historical Background

Shravanabelagola’s history is closely tied to Jain monasticism and the spread of Jain culture in southern India. The hills of Chandragiri and Vindhyagiri are believed to have hosted the meditations of Acharya Bhadrabahu and his disciple Chandragupta Maurya, who is traditionally said to have spent his last years here as a Jain ascetic in the 3rd century BCE. Chandragupta Basadi, associated with his memory, is believed to have its origins in constructions attributed to Ashoka.
Chandragiri is home to numerous memorials dedicated to monks and lay followers from the fifth century onwards, including monuments related to the last Rashtrakuta ruler of Manyakheta. The site remained an important centre of Jain scholarship, as suggested by records of the Jain scholar Akalanka, who was summoned in 788 CE to the court of Kanchipuram, where he successfully debated Buddhist scholars.
The town’s most iconic monument is the 58-foot monolithic statue of Gommateshwara (Bahubali) on Vindhyagiri, considered the world’s largest monolithic statue. Carved in 981 CE by the general and minister Chavundaraya under Ganga patronage, it is accompanied by a Prakrit inscription praising the king and the patron responsible for its construction.

Inscriptions

Shravanabelagola has one of the richest epigraphic collections in India, with more than 800 inscriptions dated between 600 CE and 1830 CE. Approximately half are located on Chandragiri, mostly predating the 10th century, while the rest are found on Vindhyagiri and in the town. These inscriptions, written in Purvahalagannada (Old Kannada), Halegannada and occasionally in Prakrit and Sanskrit, document the region’s history, monastic traditions, royal patronage, and cultural developments. They also contain some of the earliest-known examples of Marathi inscriptions.
The Epigraphia Carnatica, Volume 2, compiled by B. Lewis Rice, is dedicated entirely to the inscriptions of Shravanabelagola. These texts provide insights into the Western Ganga dynasty, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara rulers and later dynasties, offering invaluable material for understanding the evolution of Kannada language and literature.

Notable Monuments

Vindhyagiri Hill• Gommateshwara Statue: The colossal monolithic image of Bahubali, carved from a single granite block and revered as a symbol of non-violence and renunciation.• Tyagada Brahmadeva Pillar: A decorated free-standing pillar commissioned by Chavundaraya around 983 CE, with an inscription at its base.• Odegal Basadi: The largest temple on Vindhyagiri, named after the soapstone supports (odega). It houses images of Rishabhanatha, Neminatha and Shantinatha.
Chandragiri Hill• Chandragupta Basadi: Dating to the 9th century, this temple features icons of Parshvanatha, Padmavati and Ambika in seated posture.• Chamundaraya Basadi: One of the largest temples, dedicated to Neminatha and containing fine yaksha–yakshi sculptures. Built in 982 CE.• Parshvanatha Basadi: Houses a tall monolithic idol of Parshvanatha, accompanied by a manastambha in front; dates to the 12th century.• Kattale Basadi: The largest temple on Chandragiri, featuring a garbhagriha, sukanasa, navaranga hall and a circumambulatory path.• Other temples include the Sasana Basadi, Savitagandharva Basadi, Terina Basadi and Santiswara Basadi.
Temples in the Town• Akkana Basadi (1181 CE): Dedicated to Parshvanatha, built under the guidance of Achiyakka, an influential Jain woman.• Bhandari Basadi (1159 CE): The largest temple in the town, containing images of all 24 Tirthankaras arranged in a row. Constructed during the Hoysala period by Hula Raja.

Mahamastakabhisheka

The Mahamastakabhisheka is one of the most celebrated Jain festivals, held every twelve years in honour of the Bahubali statue. During this grand ceremony, the statue is bathed with water, milk, sugarcane juice and sandalwood paste, and sprinkled with turmeric, vermilion, saffron and gold flowers. Historically attended by rulers and national leaders, the event draws thousands of pilgrims from across India and abroad. The last ceremony took place in 2018, and the next is scheduled for 2030.

Cultural and Contemporary Significance

Shravanabelagola is the seat of the ancient Bhattaraka Matha of the Desiya Gana lineage of the Mula Sangha and remains an active centre of Jain religious practice and education. It is also featured on the itinerary of the luxury tourist train, the Golden Chariot. The statue of Gommateshwara was honoured at the Republic Day Parade in 2005 and was voted one of the Seven Wonders of India by readers of the Times of India in 2007.