614 steps to Gomateshvara (Bahubali) statue

A vertical climb up 614 steps, will bring you to the peak of Vindhyagiri Hill; viewing the statue of the Jain deity, Gomateshvara (Bahubali) (17.5m), said to be the world's tallest colossal status one can see.

Putting the bare soles on the first step at the foot of the hill, it’s the start of your own little pilgrimage. Considerably a comfortable climb, as the coolness of the stone-ground is not affected by the blazing sun.

While still fixing the eyes at the hill top, do take some intervals and turn around for a breath-taking view during the journey. Not to be surprise to have companions of local young children, monks and elders making their way up hill.

 

Do take a breather when hitting the first entrance, you are half way through. There are more steps leading into the temples and to the statue. On the way, drop into a place of worshipping, while appreciating the ancient architecture of the building.

More than 800 inscriptions have been originate at Shravanabelagola, dating to various times from 600 to 1830.

A great number of these are found in the Chandragiri and the rest can be seen in the Indragiri and the town. Most of the inscriptions at the Chandragiri date back before the 10th century. These inscriptions include texts in the Kannada, Sanskrit, Tamil, Marathi, Konkani, Marwari and Mahajani languages. The second volume of Epigraphia Carnatica, written by Benjamin L. Rice, is dedicated to the inscriptions found here.

Every 12 years, crowds gather here to attend the Masrakabhisheka ceremony. The statue is quenched in holy waters, pastes, powders, precious metals and stones.

The upcoming is in 2018.