Karnataka»Cities»Sravanabelagola
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General Information |
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51 km south-east of Hassan and 160 km from Bangalore, this is
the most important Jain pilgrimage center. The name of the place translated as
naked ascetic (Sravana) and white pond (belgola), is known for the greatest
monument of Jain art. The colossal statue of Gomateshwara (17 meter high)
situated on the summit of Indragiri hill is one of the two giant sculptures in
the world after the colossus of Ramses II in Egypt. Chamundaraya, General under
the King Rachmalla, had commissioned the carving of this huge statue during the
10th c. The Jain muni Bhadrabahr is said to accompany Emperor Chandragupta to
this place in 300 BC, Thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the 'Mahamastakabhisheka'.
A spectacular ceremony-held once in 12 years-when the 1000 year old statue is
anointed with milk, curd, ghee, saffron and gold coins. The next
Mahamastakabhisheka will be held in 2005 AD.
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| Population
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: 4000 |
| Telephone Code |
: 08176 |
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History |
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Sravanabelagola has a long historical pedigree going back to the
3rd century BC when Chandragupta Maurya came here with his guru, Bhagwan
Bhadrabah Swnmi, after renouncing his kingdom. In the course of tome
Bhadrabahr's disciples spread his teachings all over the region, firmly
establishing Jainism in the south. The religion found powerful patrons in the
Gangas who rules the southern part of what is now Karnataka between the
4th and 10th centuries, and it was during this time that Jainism reached the
zinith of its influence. |
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Excursions |
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Hassan |
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51 kms south-east of Hassan, this one of the most important Jain pilgrim
centers known for the 17 mt high monolith of Lord Bahubali - the world's tallest
monolithic statue. Thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the
Mahamastaka. |
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Bangalore |
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Shravanabelegola is 158 kms from Bangalore, located 1000 m above
sea level, this bustling capital city of Karnataka, has a perpetual holiday atmosphere, thanks mainly to its picnic weather. Founded in 1537 by a local
chieftain kempe Gowda, Bangalore has seen much and imbibed even more. Rapid
industrial growth has not taken away Bangalore's old world charm. And a trip
here can be truly delightful. Known as the Garden city and silicon valley of
India. |
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Travel Info |
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Air The nearest airports are at Bangalore.
Road There are four buses a day to Hassan, three buses to Belur and three
buses to Bangalore and one to Mysore.
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