Gomateshwara Jain Temple, Vindhyagiri Hill in Karnataka!!!

At a distance of around 158 kms of Bengaluru and 83 kms of Mysore, there is a town situated in Karnataka known as the city of ponds and temples – Shravanabelagola. It is the most renowned Jain pilgrimage in South India. This place is one of the eminent heritage sites in Karnataka.

Gomateshwara Temple commonly known as the Bahubali Temple is set in the small town of Shravanabelagola in Karnataka. Apart from being a religious landmark, it is also a renowned heritage site. The 57 feet mammoth statue of Bahubali stands erected on Vindhyagiri Hill. This historic Jain figure is regarded as one of the largest monolithic statues worldwide. Right at the bottom of the Bahubali statue, there are inscriptions in Prakrit that praises the King who funded for this site.

Gomateshwara Temple, Shravanabelagola Karnataka

On both the sides of the statue, there are two standing figures of Yaksha and Yakshi (Chauri bearers). The Bahubali figure is enclosed by a massive pillared structure with 43 carved images of the Tirthankaras, who preaches the teachings of God and considered sacred by the followers of Jainism. The large temple is bordered by a wall that is adorned with carved figures of animals and females. The auspicious occasion of Mahamastakabhisheka draws pilgrims from around the world. This festival takes place once in 12 years when the Bahubali sculpture is bathed with milk, sugarcane juice, saffron and ghee. In the year 2007, the statue was also ranked as one of India’s Seven Wonders.