Śravaṇabeḷagoḷa

Jainism · Hassan district, Karnataka, India

Śravaṇabeḷagoḷa is known for the colossal monolithic statue of Gommaṭeśvara (Bāhubali) on Vindhyagiri hill, carved in the late 10th century and one of the largest free-standing statues in the world. Bāhubali stands in deep meditation, so still that vines are shown climbing his limbs.

About every twelve years the Mahāmastakābhiṣeka is held, when the statue is anointed from above with water, milk, saffron and other offerings before vast crowds. The town is also associated in Jain tradition with the emperor Candragupta Maurya, who is said to have ended his life here as a Jain monk.

Karnataka, India · Jainism · Bāhubali (Gommaṭeśvara) · Mahāmastakābhiṣeka

Holy Places and Pilgrimage · Ask a Jyotishi your own question