Built in 9th century, this is one of the famous Jain temples in Karnataka.
1000 Pillars Jain Temple at Moodbidri, Karnataka. This is known as Saavira Kambada Basadi. The temple was built in 1430 CE by local chieftain Devaraya Wodeyar.
A wonder!
The uniqueness of this Gomateshwar Bahubali statue is that this is the world's highest monolithic statue without external support. The statue is 17.6 Meters (58.8 feet) high, situated on a hill called Indragiri (also known as Vindhyagiri) at Shravanabelagola town.
Carved in a single granite stone in 983 C.E., the statue is in standing pose, very proportional, attractive and naked. It was carved by Chaavundaraay, a General of king Marsinha of Gang dynasty.
Shravanabelagola is a pilgrimage center for Jains, the followers of Jainism from ancient time. This is the place where Chandragupt Maurya, the first emperor of Mauryan dynasty spent his last days as a Jain ascetic. His spiritual Guru Acharya Bhadrabahu also spent his last days here.
A close up view of the face of the statue
Historical Importance of Gomateshwar Statue
This statue has historical importance. Important for historians, archaeologists as well as for linguists. The statue is evidence of spread of Jainism in south India, and the royal patronage to it. For archeologists, the statue is important because it is the greatest presentation of Indian sculpture.
Religious Importance of Gomateshwar Statue
The statue is very important for followers of Jainism. Because of this statue, this ancient place got more importance as Jains and others from all over India got attracted to this place. In recent few decades, the statue has become an attraction for worldwide tourists, especially from Europe and America. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people come here to see the wonder.
Every 12th year, there is a big ceremony called Mahamastakabhishek. In that year, about 2 millions of people visit this place.
Shravanbelagola distance from various cities:
From Delhi:2306 KM by NH 44
From Mumbai: 937 KM by NH 48 & NH 47
From Kolkata:2012 KM by NH 16
From Chennai: 497 KM by NH 48
From Bangalore: 144 KM by NH 75
From Mysore: 84 KM by NH 150A and SH 47
Nearest Airport: Bangalore
Nearest Railway Stations: Shravanabelagola, Channarayapatna
Bus Stations: Shravanabelagola, Channarayapatna
Nearby Jain pilgrimage centers:
Halebidu
Gommatgiri
Kanakgiri
You may like to read:
