Shravanabelagola Jain Temple – History, Architecture & Significance
Shravanabelagola Jain Temple is the place that represents the Jain culture in Karnataka, there are many other sites which are related to Jain architecture but this place has much more to know about. What Shravanabelagola Jain Temple has let’s explore in detail? This ancient temple has spiritual significance as well as stunning architecture.
Location of Shravanabelagola Jain Temple:
Shravanabelagola Jain Temple is located at Hassan district, Karnataka, India. This place is approximately 144 kilometres from Bengaluru and 51 kilometers southeast of Hassan city. It is only 12 km off NH-75 (the Bengaluru – Mangaluru route), close to Channarayapatna. The two hills, Chandragiri and Vindhyagiri, as well as the nearby towns.
Origin of the Name:
As this temple is named as “Shravanabelagola Jain Temple”, there is an interesting fact about how this place got this particular name. The name Shravanabelagola comes from the large pond in the middle of the town. The “Belagola” means “White Pond”. The prefix “Shravana” is applied In order to differentiate it from other locations with the name Belagola. According to ancient inscription white pond has also some other name that is Śvetasarovara, Dhavalasarovara, and Dhavalasarasa.
When we talk about origin, it is not possible that it is connected with a single tale. There is also one more interesting fact that is connected with this place, let’s know about that too. The town is also known as Devara Belagola (“White Pond of the God”) and Gommatapuram (“City of Gommaṭa”). According to local legend, a devoted old woman once covered the colossal Gomateshwara statue with milk carried in an eggplant-shaped container. Some inscriptions mention the name Belgola, which refers to the Solanum ferox plant (hairy-fruited eggplant).
The Two Sacred Hills – Vindhyagiri & Chandragiri
Vindhyagiri hills – Home of the Majestic Bahubali:
Shravanabelagola has two significant hills namely Vindhyagiri & Chandragiri. Both have important Jain temples. Vindhyagiri hills are also famous as Bahuballi hills. As the second name of the hill, that hill is famous for the colossal Bahubali statue. Visitors have to climb 600 steps to reach the top, all steps made with stone carved. The greatest basadi on Vindhyagiri Hill is ‘Odegal basadi’. The source of the temple name comes from the soapstone which is used in wall straightening. Soapstone is also known as “odegal.” Images of Shantinatha, Neminatha, and Rishabhanatha can be found in the temple.
Chandragiri hills – A Legacy of Jain Monks:
On other hand Chandragiri hills have 14 plus Jain temples. Some of them are from the 9th and 10th centuries. One of its most famous attractions is the ‘Chandragupta Basadi’. This represents the ruler Chandragupta Maurya. As per tale people have belief that he spent his final years here as Jain monk. The Bhadrabahu Cave is another famous attraction of this site, where it is said that Acharya Bhadrabahu and Chandragupta Maurya meditated. Chandragupta Basadi has three seated figures in its cells – Parshvanatha in the middle, Padmavathi on the right, and Kushmandini on the left.
‘Chamundaraya Basadi’ also known as Chavundaraya Basadi is dedicated to 22nd tirthankara Neminatha. The figures of Sarvahna and Kushmandini are represented here, the yaksha and yakshi of Neminatha.
‘Parshvanath Basadi’, is home to an 18 foot monolithic idol of Parshvanatha that was created in the 12th century. Its majesty is enhanced by the 65.6 foot tall manastambha at its entrance. With these features, it is the One of Shravanabelagola’s tallest structures.
‘Kattale Basadi’, the largest temple on the hill. The garbhagriha, pradakshina patha, sukanasa, and navranga supported by sixteen pillars. It has an idol of Rishabhanatha with chauri bearers on either side, and it shares a front with Chandragupta Basadi.
Architectural style and highlights:
The architectural styles of Dravidian and Hoysala are reflected in the temples of Shravanabelagola. In contrast to other temples, the Jain temples located here value geometric accuracy, simplicity, and minimal ornamentation. Intricate sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras and symbols of peace and non-violence cover the pillars of the Basadis (temples).
History of Shravanabelagola:
Shravanabelagola has been a significant site of Jain culture. Two hills Chandragiri and Vindhyagiri have the whole historical background and signs which make this place more attractive. Over 2,300 years have been connected with this place. It is thought that Emperor Chandragupta Maurya and Acharya Bhadrabahu meditated here in the past. Originally constructed by Ashoka in the third century BCE, the Chandragupta Basadi is devoted to Chandragupta Maurya. The last king of the Rashtrakuta dynasty was among the several monks and monarchs who spent their dying years in meditation here over the ages.
The 58-foot-tall monolithic statue of Gommateshwara Bahubali on Vindhyagiri Hill, which was put up in 981 CE by General Chavundaraya in memory of his mother, is the most recognizable feature of Shravanabelagola. It is the world’s biggest monolithic statue. The statue base has inscriptions in Prakrit. The Mahamastakabhisheka, a magnificent ritual held at the location once every twelve years, involves bathing the statue with water, turmeric, sandalwood paste, saffron, sugarcane juice, and even gold and silver flowers. The next Mahamastakabhisheka is planned for 2030, with the most recent one taking place in 2018.
From 600 CE until 1830 CE, Shravanabelagola was a major hub for Jain study, as evidenced by its more than 800 inscriptions. Many dynasties such as the Western Ganga, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara Empire inscriptions show the growth and important insights. The majority of these inscriptions are in ancient Kannada. Tyagada Brahmadeva Pillar, a 7.5-foot-tall free standing pillar on Vindhyagiri Hill, has a well-known inscription written in 983 CE. The pillar is called Dodda Betta in the local Kannada language.
Shravanabelagola attracts not only tourists but also people who are attracted to architecture and history. Above all Shravanabelagola is the symbol of Jain devotion and spirituality.
The Mahamastakabhisheka Festival – Once-in-12-Years Ritual:
Every twelve years, the Mahamastakabhisheka, a significant Jain celebration, is celebrated in honor of the Gommateshwara Bahubali statue in Shravanabelagola. The statue is 57 feet tall. The statue is bathed with milk, sandalwood, sugarcane juice, turmeric, saffron paste, and vermilion as part of this ceremony. The next ceremony is planned for 2030; the last one was held in February 2018.
Notable Highlights:
Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the president at the time, gave Karnataka’s tableau of the Mahamastakabhisheka of Gommateshwara first place in the Republic Day Parade in 2005.
Later, in 2007, the Gommateshwara statue received 49% of the vote and was chosen as India’s greatest wonder in a Times of India survey. The monuments at Shravanabelagola have been named Adarsh Smarak by the Archaeological Survey of India in recognition of its historical and cultural value.
How to reach?
If we talk about the train, Yesvantpur – Mysuru (Mysore) Passenger and Yesvantpur –Hassan Intercity Super-Fast Express runs daily, and it has approx. 133 kilometres of distance. Kudla Express runs 3 days a week (Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday). All these trains depart from Bengaluru, Yeswanthpur Station.
Visitors who want to visit this place from outside can reach out to the nearest city that is Bangalore approx. 145 km away and Mysore approx. 85 km away. The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport (Bangalore), about 160 km away. Nearest railway station is at Hassan (52 km away). If we consider the roadways Well-connected by highways from Bangalore, Mysore, and Hassan. Best Season to visit this place is October – March due to the pleasant weather. One can avoid summer timings due to heat if possible.
Final thought:
Beyond its historical relevance, Shravanabelagola is a representation of Jain dedication, architectural genius, and spiritual significance. Over the span of its extensive history—more than 2,300 years—it has served as a hub for education, meditation, and culture. This location is a must-see for pilgrims, historians, and lovers of architecture due to the imposing Gommateshwara Bahubali statue, the historic Jain temples, and the revered Mahamastakabhisheka festival. Shravanabelagola stands as a timeless symbol of Jain devotion and history.
Also Read: