Jain religion is one of the ancient religions in the world. Origin of the Jainism found in the Indus civilization in 35 cbc or before that. Mention of Turkistan, black sea, and Middle East is found in Jain literature. JAIN BADRI or SHRAVAN BELA GOLA is the ancient Holy center of Jainism from 400 B.C. and salvation place of many Jain Monks and devotees.
Idol of Bhagwan Bahubali
Main attraction of Shravan Bela Gola is the image/idol of Bhagwan Bahubali, 57 feet high, nude, magnificent , standing, facing north and carved in one monolith rock under the supervision of Sage Arisht Nemi, in 983 A.D. on the hill of Vindhyagiri by the Minister and Commander-in-Chief, Chavundarai, of the King of the Gang Dynasty, King Rach malla ( 4 th ) (0974 - 0984 A.D. ) and the fortification around the idol was done by Gang Raj in 1116 A.D. according to the inscriptions carved on the feet of idol in three languages - Marathi, Kannad and Malayalam.
The monolith image is carved beautifully with accurate sense of proportion. The face presents a serene expression and there are curly hairs over the head. It appears as though it is an ant-hills and creepers encircle thigs upto the waist. The image is simple gigantic but majestic. “There is no monolithic image of this height in the world” as written by the Director of the Archieological survey of India. Lord Welesley, Governor General of British India visited this place during Fourth Mysure war with Tipu Sultan in 1799 and impressed by majesticity of this idol.
Mahamastakabhishek (Head Anointmment )
Mahamastakabhishek or First Head Anointment ceremony was performed in the presence of its creater Chavundarai and then, after every 12 years, anointment ceremony was arranged by the Bhattarak Charukirti Head of Jain Matt with the assistance from Kings of Mysure, Jain devotees and Jain Businessmen spread out in all over India. Record of 14 anointment ceremonies are available in inscription carving or in books.
Head Anointment is done by 15 items such as water, milk, curd, banana, sandalwood, sugar, jogger, coffee seeds,
Flowers from gold and silver.
Last anointment ceremony took place in Feb. 17 - 25, 2018 and attended by the President, Prime Minister of India and many VIPs and lasted for six months on Sundays and week days. Next ceremony will be arranged as per tradition in Feb 2030.
This place is in the Hasan District of Karnataka state in India - 150 kms from Bengaluru, 62 kms. from Mysuru city, 52 Kms from Hasan. You can have one day tour from Bengaluru or Package Tours from travel companies or reside here for more days to experience the beauty, sanctity and nature.
Dharmashala or sanatorium of modern style are available with cheap rates and lodges on normal rates. You can go
on any season of the year but avoid on Saturday/week days as it is crowded unless you make advance booking of rooms. Strictly vegetarian rules to be followed.
For your guidance, name of websites and phone numbers are provided -
- www.jaindata.com
- www.karnatakatourism.org
- www.mahamastakabhishek.com
- www.kstdc.com
- www.trawell.com
- Phone Numbers of dharmashala and other at
ShravanBelaGola - 08176 2572558/26/56,
573135, 257924, 257224,
Wish you happy journey