Shravanabelagola is another place worth visiting
while at Mysore. Shravanabelagola is famous for the monolith of Bahubali
or Gommateshwara. There are two stony hills called Chandragiri and
Indragiri. Chandragiri is famous for the Chandragupta Basadi built by
the Gangas. Indragiri is famous for the Chavendaraya Basadi and the
gigantic statue of Gommateshwara.
Shravanabelagola is an important Jain pilgrimage center situated on top
of the Indragiri hills. The small town of Shravanabelagola is about 84km
from Mysore. The hill has 14 basadis or temples and many Jain
monasteries. The most famous basadi is the Chavundaraya basadi that was
built in 982 AD. The beautifully carved pillar called the Tyagada Brahma
Pillar is also found here. The floral designs on this pillar are
exceptional.The most important tourist attraction here is the enormous
statue of Bahubali or Gommateshwara. He was a King who renounced his
kingdom and spent the rest of his life meditating till he attained
Nirvana.
The naked statue of Gommateshwara is 58 feet high and 26 feet wide and
has 10 feet long feet. The statue was carved out of the black granite of
the hill and is a picture of serenity and composure. Thousands of
devotees gather here once in 12 years to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka
or sacred anointment, which is a grand and extravagant ceremony.
Hundreds of pots of curd, milk, honey vermilion, coconut water, turmeric
paste and even gold and precious jewels are poured over the statue's
head by the priests. The Mahamastakabhisheka will be held this year i.e.
2006AD.
