Introducing Sravanabelagola
Atop the bald rock of Vindhyagiri Hill, the 17.5m-high statue of the Jain deity Gomateshvara (Bahubali), said to be the world’s tallest monolithic statue, is visible long before you reach the pilgrimage town of Sravanabelagola. Viewing the statue close up is the main reason for heading to this sedate town, whose name means ‘the Monk of the White Pond’. The statue’s simplicity and serenity is in complete contrast to the complexity and energy of the sculptural work at the Belur and Halebid temples.
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In the 3rd century BC, Chandragupta Maurya came here with his guru, Bhagwan Bhadrabahu Swami, after renouncing his kingdom. Bhadrabahu’s disciples spread his teachings all over the region, firmly planting Jainism in southern soils. The religion found powerful patrons in the Gangas, who ruled southern Karnataka between the 4th and 10th centuries, the zenith of Jainism’s influence.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Kerala or Karnataka?
by flyingdutchgirl 12 August 2011
There's no reason why you shouldn't do both if you want to - however, for both beaches and temples I would prefer Karnataka. Many places…
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RE: Bengalore: what should I visit?
by mattyboy876 12 July 2011
Well Mysore obviously, but you should also check out Shravanabelagola, it was voted the most amazing place to visit in India according…
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RE: any advise welcome
by mattyboy876 27 June 2011
There are loads of women of your age traveling in India alone, you will be fine. You just have to be sensible. There are lots of threads…
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